Guyana Times Daily - April 18, 2015

saturday, april 18, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 held for destroying PPP/C billboards

...party accuses APNU/AFC of intimidation

Two persons are presently in Police custody at Anna Regina Police Station for allegedly destroying People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) campaign materials even the Party has accused the Opposition of intimidation and threats ahead of the May 11 polls.

The persons in custody were reportedly caught redhanded in Bush Lot, Berbice ripping down billboards and posters. According to PPP/C Executive Member Alli Baksh, the act is very desperate. He called on the Police to take the necessary actions.

The Party’s campaigning billboards and posters in villages such as La Belle Alliance, Sparta, Johanna Cecilia, Bush Lot, Cullen and Dartmouth were destroyed by unknown persons. Baksh noted that he was quite disturbed by the move, and noted that several reports were

made to the Police stations. The persons are expected to be charged shortly.

The PPP/C on Thursday had condemned the actions of persons who have launched a campaign of vandalism and “terrorism” against the Party’s efforts to engage the population in meaningful participation.

Repression

The Party said that the wilful and malicious destruction of its billboards, flags and posters, particularly in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), continues unabated despite reports and repeated appeals to the relevant authorities to intervene, noting that these acts of terrorism and vandalism can only benefit the Opposition alliance.

“We shudder to think that these acts represent a return to the old days of terror and repression. Their at-

tempts to instil fear and the use of military-style intimidation have not gone unnoticed. We in the PPP/C would like to encourage all rightthinking persons who put Guyana first, to resist these attempts and renounce this reign of terror on May 11,” the Party said.

This is just one of the many attacks which have been carried out on the Party’s campaign materials. Only three days ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, during a visit to Berbice had cause to condemn the attacks of vandalism which were carried out on the Party’s materials in that region.

Intimidation

Meanwhile, at a specially convened news conference at Freedom House on Friday, PPP/C’s Gail Teixeira accused the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led- A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) of directing the intimidation of its activists. Teixeira was joined at the news conference by Charles Ramson Jr. She said the Party has since filed several complaints with the Police of instances of “centrally” directed intimidation during the announcement of public meetings, at a public meeting and the erection of Party paraphernalia on utility poles.

“We have incidents and instances disturbing because of the fact that they are organised. These are not sporadic individuals who love their party to death and want to do something. This is organised and most likely organised centrally,” she said.

Teixeira told reporters that there have been cases of alleged Opposition activists “beating up... a man who

was wearing a PPP/C Teeshirt and also the stoning of a vehicle in Sophia”. Teixeira told the news conference the following day Police accompanied the vehicle to Sophia to continue announcing a public meeting. On this occasion, there was no stoning. Eventually, Opposition activists planted APNU flags on the area where the vehicles and podium would have been placed causing the Party to postpone the meeting out of safety concerns expressed by members.

“Were we had gone in as we were scheduled to go in and try to find a space to have a meeting and/or even dare to touch one of the flags, we are of the firm belief that this would have been the opportunity for a serious confrontation in that community,” she said.

Teixeira also made mention the owner of a private residence at Middle Road, La Penitence that has been used as a polling station since 1997 has reported that groups of persons have abused him and warned that no voting would be allowed there on May 11.

In Albouystown – another opposition stronghold, she said a group of persons clad in APNU coloured clothing had allegedly threatened residents not to vote for PPP/C. Additionally, she alleged that people in the Albouystown-Charlestown area have been telling residents that they cannot be PPP/C polling agents or associated with the Party.

At the press conference, Ramson Jr accused AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Freddie Kissoon of abusing him while he was erecting PPP/C paraphernalia in the Sheriff Street area.

Guyanese man gets 30 years for double murder in Canada

AGuyanese man who gunned down two people in a crowded downtown food court was sentenced Thursday to at least 30 years behind bars — an unprecedented sentence for second-degree murder.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Eugene Ewaschuk, who denounced the crimes as horrific and outrageous, decided Christopher Husbands will be ineligible for parole for 15 years for each killing. Ewaschuk also decided the periods of parole ineligibility should be served consecutively.

Husbands is a Guyanese national. “It’s an unprecedented sentence for seconddegree murder in Canada – it’s literally never been given,” defence lawyer Dirk Derstine said. “He’s in shock because of the sentence.”

Husbands was convicted of two counts of second-de-

gree murder for the shooting at the landmark Eaton Centre in June 2012 that also critically injured a 13-yearold boy. The 26-year-old was also convicted of five counts of aggravated assault, one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and one count of recklessly discharging a firearm.

The murder convictions carry an automatic life sentence with no parole for at least 10 years. However, the federal government recently changed the law to allow periods of parole ineligibility in murder cases to be consecutive, rather than concurrent. Husbands’ defence team had launched a constitutional challenge to the sentencing provisions, arguing they amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, but Ewaschuk rejected the challenge. (CP24)

Dynamic Airways flight rescheduled ...back-up jet here to airlift affected passengers

Dynamic Airways’ flight 2D402 departing Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana and destined for the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York on Thursday was cancelled due to a maintenance issue.

Following this delay, all Dynamic Airways scheduled flights between Georgetown and New York have experienced a 24-hour delay. However, on Friday, a Dynamic Airways back-up jet arrived at the CJIA at 01:00h to accommodate passengers affected by the cancellation. Flight 2D402 is now scheduled to depart Guyana at 16:00h and arrive in New York at 21:20h. Check-in is currently in pro-

gress. Dynamic Airways has seen over 90 per cent of ontime departures within the last three months of operation. As Dynamic Airways continues its integration into the Guyanese market, the airline recently carried out a number of activities for its customers during the Mashramani and Easter seasons. All passengers arriving for the Easter period received traditional Guyanese Hot Cross Buns and traditional Guyanese ‘singing-engine’ kites.

Dynamic Airways deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and is working assiduously to ensure an on-time departure of its upcoming services.

saturday, april 18, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 16:20h-17:50h and Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 17:05h-18:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Saturday, April 18 – 05:00h and 16:00h Sunday, April 19 – 06:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres per second and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:04h and 16:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.89 metres and 2.85 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 10:02h and 22:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.30 metre and 0.39 metre respectively.

US, diplomatic community hail Marriott Guyana

By Gomatie GanGadin

The United States Government and other members of the diplomatic community here have hailed the Guyana Marriott Hotel, saying that the project represents a substantial achievement in the economic relationship between Guyana and the United States of America (USA).

United States Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt; Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Nisha KurbanBaboe; and President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud all registered their satisfaction with the commissioning of the Marriott branded hotel, which was officially commissioned on Thursday.

For his part, Hunt related that the reality of the project has demonstrated the potential of public-private partnerships throughout the developing world, noting that he was confident that the venture will prove to be beneficial to all of the entities involved.

“I am confident that the partnership that has been built between the Guyana Government and the Marriott Corporation will bring substantial benefits to both parties and to the people of Guyana. I wish to congratulate the leadership of the Marriott Corporation, Atlantic Hotels Inc (AHI), and the Government and people of Guyana on this flagship project,” he said.

Alluding to the ceremonies which were held on Thursday, and included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a gala reception to commemorate the opening of the internationally-branded hotel, the US Chargé d’Affaires said that the events ?demonstrated the commitment to professionalism in the hospitality industry held by all those associated with the project.

“The standards on display were equal to those at any world class hotel chain

and are in keeping with the level of service expected by international travellers who frequent the Marriott brand. It was particularly heartening to see the long-term commitment that the Marriott corporation has made in their more than 200 Guyanese employees through investment in their training and professional development,” the diplomat said.

World class standards Hunt further related that he is of the strong belief that the Guyana Marriott will unquestionably help to raise standards across the hospitality industry in this country. He said that the hotel has already begun to set new standards of professional service to which its competitors will need to aspire. The US Chargé d’Affaires further pointed out that with the launch of the Guyana Marriott, not only will the country’s investment portfolio increase but it will begin to put the country further on the map.

“The existence of a world class hotel in Guyana will increase business travel and encourage more exploratory investments in the country. It will also help to increase the ability to hold international conferences and gatherings in Georgetown. The opening of a major

American hospitality brand such as Marriott in Guyana helps to increase awareness of the country within both the American hospitality industry and throughout the American business sector. This, in turn increased the likelihood of further American brands looking to invest and create jobs in Guyana,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, who also spoke to this publication, was also in loud praise for the commissioning of the hotel in this country. Ambassador Kurban-Baboe while expressing congratulations to the Guyanese people stated that the occasion was an auspicious one, and said that the project becoming a reality should fill every Guyanese with a sense of pride. According to the Surinamese diplomat, the project was indeed one which will not only bring development to the population through job creation activities but will also ensure the further growth and development of the country through the attraction of tourists and even investors.

“Every Guyanese should be congratulated for the opening of the Guyana Marriott which is a hotel that has international standards. Further, I see it as a positive development for Guyana, one that will attract tourists and all the further benefits associated…it will further the growth and development of the country,” KurbanBaboe said. She reinforced that every investment made in the country, particularly one of such magnitude will only improve, and further the growth and development of the country’s economy. “Every investment … is a positive thing…it will bring development in the form of job creation, tour-

ists, investors and so much more; development in every sense. Every investment means growth and development,” she told Guyana Times.

PSC President said the Commission has endorsed the establishment of the Marriott Hotel, describing it as a catalyst for further development. He said the hotel is among the many projects it has been advocating for a very long time.

“The PSC is of the view that the introduction of these facilities and the quality of service will contribute significantly to raising the standards of the local hospitality industry and would be a great complement to boost the growth of the tourism sector in our country and create an improved business environment.” He said that the Commission is convinced the hotel’s opening will ignite many other developments of similar nature, noting that it was very satisfied to see that many young Guyanese workers, being highly motivated to be of service to the various global visitors who will eventually be utilising the services of the hotel.

Turn To page 9

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

History matters

The elections campaign here is in full swing. Political parties, especially the heavyweights – the PPP/C and the PNC-led APNU+AFC are hitting almost every corner of the country, trying to convince voters to give them a chance to govern Guyana for the next five years. It is now a matter of days before Guyanese go to polls.

The PPP/C is touting its massive achievements over the past 23 years in Government and is asking voters for another term to continue or complete some of the major development projects aimed at transforming the country.

The APNU+AFC coalition is making all sorts of promises, some largely viewed as unrealistic, that the party will fulfill once it wins. The coalition is also doing everything possible to ensure that issues in relation to the PNC’s tenure in Government are kept off the agenda as much as possible.

Speakers representing the PPP/C at various political rallies have wasted no effort in reminding voters of the past atrocities which occurred under the PNC for which its leaders have refused to apologize.

Some of those very persons who served at the time in very high level positions during the PNC reign are still around and are now asking for another chance to govern our affairs. They are appealing for Guyanese, especially the younger generation, to “forget the past and move forward”.

Coalition leaders have largely ignored calls for them to come clean on issues such as rigged elections, post elections violence, mismanagement of the economy and rampant discrimination and victimization against citizens - all of which occurred under the PNC regime.

David Granger in particular has been accused of silencing his running mate, Moses Nagamootoo and forcing him to stay away from addressing critical aspects of the PNC’s track record. Many are surprised of Nagamootoo’s decision to stay mute on these issues as he once fought against these very ills.

This is most unfortunate as we believe that it is necessary that voters, especially the younger generation, are educated and informed about what occurred in the past so that they will be well equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed choices at the ballot box. In any other country, these leaders who seek to govern would have been forced to defend or at least respond to the many accusations that have been leveled against their members.

We have also seen several letters in the press criticizing these attempts to have persons forget about the PNC’s sordid past. One writer, Ryhaan Shah, in a letter published in this newspaper had this to say:

“The AFC hopes that since our young people know nothing about the past and are therefore not burdened by it they will vote for the coalition. If our youth know nothing of their history, shouldn’t these supposedly responsible coalition leaders educate them, inform them and tell them about it? Is the coalition planning to win on the ignorance of our youth? Are they banking on it?

“Why does the coalition not want young people to know about the past? Are they ashamed, guilty, or afraid of being unmasked as something they are not? If youthful ignorance is being praised by the coalition one wonders what kind of education our children will receive should they win.”

Young people must be educated about the events, under both the PNC and PPP/C administrations. While it is necessary to look to the future in terms of examining the plans and policies each party has for Guyana’s development, they must also be judged on their track record while they were in Government.

What were the social and economic conditions like under the PNC comparing to what obtains under the PPP/C? Which of the parties have a history of delivering on their promises made in their manifestoes, and most of all which of them could be trusted with future of Guyana once more?

We believe that history matters. If Guyanese are not educated about their history they are bound to repeat mistakes made in the past. Our country’s future is at stake.

We do not need change

Dear Editor,

Kindly permit me space in your column and print my letter. Some 23 years ago the Opposition PNC party was in power through rigged elections, which they failed to apologize to the nation for when called upon to do so.

The security forces were tampering with ballot boxes, etc, and they vigorously denied such nefarious acts. They are now seeking power at any cost, although they have virtually brought this country to its knees.

Essential food items were denied to the entire population, while corruption was the norm of the day.

House wives had to join lines as early as 05:00h to ob-

tain food items. Sometimes when they reached the counter they are told that all are finished, so had to return another day. In the mean time, the children were starving.

Guyana was deemed the second poorest country in the world; there was nepotism, corruption and wide scale fraud in every sector of our society. They were told by their leader Forbes Burnham that God helps those who help themselves.

Supporters began to steal from the country blind. The President’s and Prime Minister’s Offices were plagued with fraud, as well as 35 Government Ministries, including the Post Office Corporation.

To crown this dastardly act, they created world history when they left an empty Treasury. Racism was at its highest peak since there was tension and hatred during this period of PNC rule.

All infrastructure was in a deplorable state. The country’s economy, the roads, bridges, buildings, the business sector, etc were in tatters.

Guyana now is a democratic country and the Government is doing its very best; Rome was not built in a day.

We do not need change; we are a mature nation and we need an honest leader not with arrogance and not one who is power drunk. We

need to be governed and not ruled. We are a free nation, with freedom of speech, assembly and movement.

Watch the brigands of the PNC; they are masquerading as APNU; they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They talk about national service, and I personally feel they have now driven the last nail in their coffin. When a member of AFC says he is not an Indian, he disrespects his parents’ ancestry.

Andrew Persaud PS: most of us will recall the marriage between PNC and the UF. The marriage was dissolved due to bullish and dictatorial issues. I wish the AFC well.

Dear Editor,

The PNC/APNU is at their usual pastime, that is, vandalism and violence. Their thugs are ripping down PPP/C’s posters and throwing missiles at their meetings. This is an age old intimidating tactic employed by that party in an attempt to show “support” for the party.

They have grossly violated the code of conduct set up by GECOM for this election season and in this regard I call on the Elections Commission and civil groups to condemn these intimidatory tactics of the Opposition.

But I shudder to think of the future because I sagely believe the worse is yet to come when the reality of a lost election dawns on them. At that time they will go on an all out offensive.

Come the evening of May 11, we are going to hear those ghoulish stories of channa bombs and burning buildings, of looting and beatings of supporters of the ruling party. I therefore call on the Police and the disciplined services to be on high alert for such uncivil behavior.

But far more distressing is the fact that these occurrences are taking place in a

constituency that benefitted enormously from the housing and other infrastructural works of the PPP/C.

Sophia of all places should at least show some gratitude to the PPP/C. They are now living comfortably on lands that have been regularized and modernized due to the efforts of the PPP/C, a party that has expended time and money to the development of this squatter settlement.

When the party they now give support to violently routed them off with dogs, we, the PPP/C gave them a place they can now call home. The PPP/C came to

the rescue of the Sophia residents. These hired vandals should be aware of the fact that they are being used by a party which has nothing to offer them by way of stability and a good life. They must be aware of the fact that the PNC/APNU only views them as thugs and vagabonds. If a party can only see me in this light, then, I ought to do the honest thing, reject them! I call on all my fellow brothers and sisters in the Opposition to rebuke the evil plans of their party.

Neil Adams

What good is a machine without the skills to operate it? RPA providing

Dear Editor.

Last week there were two letters in another section of the media dealing with issues of humanization and mechanization of the local sugar industry.

Mr E B John first wrote that “Priority should be given to humanisation of GuySuCo over mechanisation” and Mr Mohamed Sayad wrote a response that “GuySuCo needs to invest in modern machinery and technology, not just human resources”.

From the mere titles of the letters, it is clear that Mr Sayad unfortunately misread or misunderstood Mr John’s comprehensive letter, a misunderstanding that is also evident from the details in Mr Sayad’s letter in which he makes the point that it would be unwise to have a skilled, competent, motivated staff “operating in an environment of outdated machines and antiquated technology”.

Strangely, he writes about the need for a “synchrony” between mecha-

nisation and talent development and savvy to deal with modern machines and technology, but his discussion favours technological development before human development.

Perhaps unconsciously, he presents the famous ‘chicken and egg’ conundrum between human vs mechanical development.

One might legitimately ask what good is a machine without the skills to operate and maintain it in the same way that we can question the wisdom of having expensive machines (example, the new Skeldon Factory) without the necessary skilled labour force.

Obviously, Mr John emphasizes the human development while Mr Sayad’s emphasis is on technological development. I think most people will favour the complementary or, as Mr Sayad put it, the synchronized approach.

Finally, I feel constrained to comment on Mr Sayad’s confusing, ap-

parently backhanded, complimentary comments on Mr John’s flattering interjection about my erstwhile leadership role in the Human Resource Management of GuySuCo.

Suffice it to say that HR development is a team effort; its contribution to production, productivity and profitability requires consistent inputs from professionals within and outside the Human Resource Management function.

I am happy and indeed proud of the fact that during my relatively brief leadership of the HRM function in GuySuCo, a vibrant team of HR professionals was put in place with great potential for contribution to GuySuCo’s effectiveness and success.

I do not think it is fair for anyone, including Mr Sayad, to directly or even tangentially ascribe to me GuySuCo’s drop in production and profitability since my departure.

Nowrang Persaud

Forestry Sector one of the most regulated and accountable in Guyana

Dear Editor,

It is evident that the political season is here which gives some people the right to be silly. I note the recent letter penned by Timothy M Jonas which was titled, “What measures have been put in place to ensure loggers adhere to the law?” which was published in another section of the media.

I am integrally involved in the Forest Sector and I can confidently say that it is one of the most regulated sectors, despite the politics some individuals and newspapers might want to play in besmirching the work of this well regulated sector.

The information contained in the letter penned by Timothy M Jonas is nothing more than what has been regurgitated over and over by some know critics of the Forest Sector and which have constantly been refuted and clarified by the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Mr Timothy M Jonas, as a voter, requested in his letter political parties to discuss several issues pertaining to the Forestry

Sector. These same questions have been asked on numerous occasions and were clarified.

Mr Jonas is not really interested in the development of Guyana as he may want to portray, but has been spurred by his handlers to once again cast aspersions on the Forest Sector.

It would have been wise for Mr Jonas to first seek clarification before publishing his missive, which has only served to expose his ignorance of the Forest Sector and how it is being managed.

For reference I would recommend Mr Jonas visit the Guyana Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.gov.gy, which I do every so often to keep updated on developments as a stakeholder within the sector.

It is evident that Mr Jones is either new to this long exhausted debate of the management of the Forest Sector or he has been set up by his handlers to propagate their propaganda. As such, I would urge Mr Jonas to first get

high quality seed paddy to rice farmers

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) would like to bring to the public’s attention, especially rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) several inaccuracies penned by Mr Mohamed Khan in his letter published in another section of the media.

Firstly, the RPA is of the strong belief that this letter writer has his facts all wrong and seems to have lost his way, since his thoughts seemed to be tripping over each other.

This is so because the RPA has been providing high quality seed paddy to rice farmers for the past 14 years under its Seed Paddy Production Programme.

During this time, thousands of rice farmers throughout the country have benefitted from easy access to high quality seed paddy at an affordable cost. Also, the Seed Programme has expanded significantly.

As a result, the RPA has invested heavily in expanding and upgrading its seed cleaning and drying equipment to meet the high demand for seed. Currently, the association is unable to meet the high demand for seed by rice farmers.

his facts before exposing himself.

Terence William

The seed cleaner that Mr Mohamed Khan is referring to was replaced more than eight years ago with a seven- stage state of the art seed cleaner that produced and continues to produce excellent re-

sults that meet the FAO’s seed specifications that the RPA uses to certify seed. It seems that Mr Khan is unaware of this fact.

Secondly, all the RPA’s contracted Seed Grower’s fields have to be certified by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). This body ensures that both the field and seed meet the FAO’s seed quality standards before it is sold to farmers.

In addition, germination tests and purity analysis are carried out before seed paddy is sold to farmers. These systems of checks have been in place from the inception of the Seed Programme and were requirements that the RPA had to meet before funding was approved by several international funding agencies, which made the RPA Seed Programme a reality.

Mr Khan is aware of this, since as he stated in his letter, he was once employed by the RPA as a Field Officer when the Seed Programme commenced.

The statement by Mr Khan that the seed samples he viewed which are sold by the RPA to farmers for the upcoming Spring Crop have more than 50 per cent paddy damaged grain and wind paddy is totally untrue and misleading.

At the time when Mr. Khan penned his letter, the RPA had not even sold one bag of seed to any farmer. Mr Khan of all people

should know that seed this bad (more that 50 per cent damage) would surely be rejected before it even enters the RPA seed facility. Both the production of seed paddy in the fields and the processing of seed at all the RPA seed facilities in the country are closely monitored. Frequent field visits are made by both RPA and GRDB field officers.

This ensures that all seed sold to farmers are of the highest quality and in the event that any farmer (s) has/have any issue(s) concerning seed purchased from the organization, these are always addressed to the satisfaction of the farmer(s).

The RPA realized that the rice industry does have issues that need to be addressed or improved, since there is never a perfect system. The Association sincerely hopes that Mr Khan is aware of this fact. It would also like to advise my Mr Khan that in the future his criticism should be constructive and factual, since the inaccuracies in his letter do not augur well.

The RPA would like to inform the public that they are free to examine the systems of operation at any of the RPA seed facilities in order to clear up any doubts they may have.

Lionel Bhoodram, RPA Field Extension Officer, Region Two Ricky Roopchand, RPA Project Officer

Obnoxious behaviour becoming pervasive in this society

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the authorities’ attention to an obnoxious behaviour that is becoming pervasive in this society. I am a diplomat working in your country. I often shop at Nigel’s Supermarket in Robb Street and I would normally park my car in Robb Street before Light Street and walk across.

However, on several occasions while getting out of my car on my way to Nigel’s, I have noticed men urinating in public at the corner of Robb and Light Streets in full view of passersby who are often young girls and children.

The stench of urine is also unbearable and often as I wait for the young man

to unpack my bags I am forced to listen to the lewd and downright degrading comments hurled at young women by the men who I believe are taxi drivers in the area.

It is shameful what these men say and how they behave. Many times you can see the looks of embarrassment on the faces of these women as they pass.

Isn’t this reason enough to charge these beasts for indecent exposure or is this a new type of tourism that is now being encouraged in your country.

This crass behaviour is so degrading to me as a woman, that I am strongly thinking of changing my supermarket as I have no intention of subjecting my

children to such uncouth and unmannerly behaviour.

I would therefore like to call on the relevant authorities and even possibly the management of Nigel’s

Supermarket to take immediate steps to curb this nasty behaviour not only around that area but also countrywide.

A Hiscock

When does the Politics end….?

By Trinidad correspondenT

Iam a student of poli-

tics and as a social scientist I am aware of the demands on me to assist in explaining human behavior and to explain why certain people behave in particular ways.

I am a believer in democracy and people’s right to choose and the natural exercise of engaging in political activity. . But to be honest the more I observe people in political situations ,people of the Caribbean in particular, I am beginning to believe that no one has the answer . I am beginning to believe that there is nothing in my training or my discipline that can offer a rational explanation as to how people vote , and I have reached the stage where I long for a vocation ,where, like in the natural sciences, five plus five would always add up to ten.

The catalyst for this bout of self searching was none other than the protest launched by the opposition forces which I saw at the opening of the Marriott Hotel on Thursday. For the love of me I couldn’t understand why ,in front of the international Press citizens would denounce an initiative that would employ more than 200 Guyanese.

Ok ,so there may be a reason for the protest , but

is it good enough to say to the world that the Marriot’s demonstration of confidence in our economy is not appreciated.

This protest would be funny if Guyana could have boasted of an already existing Five Star Hotel and if the standards in terms of the international markets were on par. But with Pegasus failing to meet the expectations of a world class hotel, would it not be acceptable for an international brand to add quality to the local environment and drive others upward?

I understand that the objections are to the Government’s financing of the project and the fact that it WILL (with certainty) cater for the elites.

Well I also understand that the government had to fund it the project because one Mr. Trotman put a stop to private investment through the Courts. And if my knowledge serves me right Trinidad did the same with the international brand the Hyatt, although already owning the other international brand the Hilton. And by the way why can’t the average Guyanese who have already made visits to the outside world not be an elite if he/she wants elite treatment.

My research tells me that objection and protest is driven by the opposition and it has been hinted that the Marriot would in fact bring

serious competition to one of their key supporters business .

But I am still about the science of political behavior, and their position, as an alternative government (because that is what all oppositions are) leaves much to be desired.

But who is responsible for the state we are in.? Who is responsible when opposition parties can get honest hardworking citizens to vote against their best interest and publicly protest programmes and projects that are in the final analysis, for a better Guyana.

Who is responsible for making a mockery of the concept of representative democracy.?

Throughout this election campaign I have heard nothing from the opposition but a call for change.

In fact they are they asking persons to change the fact that the Ministry of Housing and Water delivered over 100,000 house lots or built 40,000 houses. Are they asking the electorate to change the fact that 98% of people in the coastal areas have potable water?

Wasn’t lower mortgage rates about the peoples welfare?

If I sound as if I am about to mount a political platform I couldn’t . But I would mount if only to ask the question ; Does loving your party stop you from having the de-

cency acknowledge the work of another.?

Is it a betrayal of the Party you love.? Is it right to stand in the hot sun protesting something you know is good, for the love of party.

Well I would then ask ; ‘What have you done for yourself lately”? And in case you as a reader do not have a story to tell I will let you in of a secret success story. So secret that the main characters don’t show any signs that they know.

The town of Dan Amstel have demonstrated a strength and a perseverance that is unmatched. They have made a success story of the rice industry. They have developed new varieties of rice that brings greater yield . They own the lands they are on. As any responsible Government should, the present administration have provided the drainage, the infrastructure the schools and the support for this proud and independent community.

Given this background the patterns around election time reflects no presence for the PPP/C when the votes are counted, and that is their right. But along with exercising that right they have demonstrated a total disregard, and I dare say an animosity towards the administration that borders on disrespect. I don’t believe that it comes from the heart of the individuals but from a collective de-

sire to support the party they love.

My visit to Linden (as I understand, a traditional opposition stronghold) had the same demonstrative effect.

It surprised me to know that in a community historically opposed to the ruling party that in an eight year period 700 million was spent on developmental works. That two water treatment plants valued 2.5 Billion Guyanese dollars were set up in Amelia Ward and Wisroc. That construction of roads and drains and structures totaling $175,025,000 and the installation of a pure water distribution plant commissioned at a cost of $218,700,000. In Linden the progress is evident and the list goes on and on. Yet apart from a commitment to vote against the current administration ,there is no word of acknowledgment, no grudging acceptance that the government is doing its work.

It is in this context , governance is not about performance and one cannot reasonably assume that people will vote for what is good for them (a la Rosseau).

My plea as a social scientist longing to believe again,is that somehow ,somewhere and sometime diehards would summon the courage if not to vote for what is good for them , to acknowledge that at least good was done to and for them. I live in hope.

Healing broken relationships

Troubled feelings and conflict from childhood can result in difficult and complicated sibling relationships in adulthood. As the siblings grow up and start their own families and relationships, their bond often goes into hibernation mode, explains Heidi Riggio, associate professor of psychology at California State University, in the article “Oh, Brother!” for “Psychology Today.” Siblings can fix their broken bond and heal together by learning to be understanding, taking accountability for their actions and being willing to forgive.

Step one

Think about what led to the breach in your relationship. Ask yourself if the anger or resentment you feel toward your sibling is worth not having her around in your life. Identify how feelings of jealousy, inferiority or competition dating as far back as childhood have contributed to your problems as adults. In the “Oh, Brother!” article, Judy Dunn, a development psychologist, explains that most sibling conflict arises from the competition for parental attention and affection in childhood. Make a decision to let go of all the grudges against your sibling that you have been carrying around for so long.

Step two

Overcome your pride and take the initiative to reach out to your sibling. Make contact, either by telephone, by email or in person, and explain that you want to mend things between the two of you. Keep the focus of the conversation on moving forward and finding solutions rather than playing the blame game or bringing up problems from the past.

Step three

Accept that you played a role in the conflict. It’s important to take responsibility for your role in the sibling rivalry and to understand why your sibling feels the way he does about you. Listen to your sibling’s point of view, and be open to realising that you inadvertently hurt him. Apologise and take accountability for your own actions.

Step four

Understand that although you grew up together, you and your sibling are different individuals. Expect that you two will continue to have opposing views and ideas regarding different matters. Agree to accept that no one is right or wrong and to respect the other person’s point of view. Be open and willing to listen to your sibling’s situation and reasoning when you disagree on something.

Don’t expect a broken sibling relationship to heal overnight. Take it slowly and give each other time to work on rebuilding the relationship.

(livestrong)

PPP/C readies Region 2 for major rally today

By IndrawattIe natram

Leaving no stone unturned, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has rallied its supporters in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) for a grand rally this evening at Damon Square – the same venue the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led- A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC ) held its meeting two weeks ago. With continuous campaign work throughout the week, the stage is well set for the rally with momentum building for this evening. On the streets, ordinary citizens can be heard discussing the rally and what they are expecting. There has also been high demand for Party T-shirts and oth-

er posters to rally with the Party’s leaders. One vendor said that she was excited about the event and will be going with her friends. She also said her relatives from the Pomeroon will be venturing on the coast specially to attend the meeting. According to supervisor and Executive Member of the PPP/C office in Region Two, Alli Baksh, this will be the biggest rally ever hosted for PPP/C in the Region. Baksh said that from all indications the crowd will be a mixed one with people coming from all over the coast as well as the Pomeroon and nine Amerindian communities. Baksh said that persons will be coming out in their numbers to send a strong message to the Opposition (APNU/AFC) that Region Two will remain with the

PPP/C.

He said at the 2011 polls 9400 persons in Region Two did not vote, but persons were well aware of the consequences and the 2011 elections were an eye opener for many. “They get to see what the Opposition gives too and what they did in the Parliament with their oneseat majority.” Baksh said that also the AFC support is decreasing in Region Two and everyone is coming under the PPP/C umbrella. He

said the many meetings were evidence that persons were aware if the Opposition got in power, what would happen. “All our meetings, we managed to attract crowds, persons were very receptive, this we are happy for, many persons will be rallying for the Party,” Baksh noted.

There will be a grand march headed by Governmental officials commencing from La Belle Alliance and Reliance then a grand converging at Damon

Square at 15:00h.

Harper impressed

Meanwhile, the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper, who touched down in the region Friday morning, said she was impressed with the transformation of Essequibo. Harper, during a walk-about, said she visited the coast some years ago and what she was seeing today was evidence of tremendous development along the coast. Harper said while she will be addressing the rally, she wanted to meet with residents, farmers and other persons on the coast. She also visited Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud.

During visits to the markets at both Anna Regina

and Bush Lot, Harper interacted with vendors listening to their concerns and offering words of support. She also visited medical professionals at Suddie Public Hospital and also addressed a meeting at Reliance Village. Harper said that she was struck by the massive infrastructure developments that have taken along the entire Region Two. From all indications she noted Region Two has massive growth potential and said the PPP/C will be doing everything in its capacity to secure the economic growth. “Truly Essequibo is the richest county, with its vast agricultural base, many lands under rice cultivation we definitely have to preserve this” Harper noted.

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More house lots distributed on EBD

…as One-Stop-Shop continues

The Housing Ministry has embarked on another series of its One-Stop-Shop initiative with the distribution of high income house lots along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

A crowd of eager citizens flocked the compound of the Housing Ministry, Brickdam on Friday to receive their land titles. The house lots being distributed are categorised under the high income lots with prices ranging from $2 million to $3 million.

The sizes of the lands also vary based on the price, with the average lot being 60 by 100 feet. Director of Operation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Denise King Tudor explained that there are also low income and middle income house lots, which are being sold from as low as $300,000. One person, Joan Roberts expressed her gratitude to the Government through its Ministry for making it possible for her to own her own land and by extension house.

Another person, Gooding (only name given) spoke on behalf of his young daughter who is a career driven woman. He explained that he came to conduct the transaction for his daughter, Stacy Gooding, who was preoccupied with work. He said although she applied for a ‘Turn Key Home,’ the

Ministry informed her that those were unavailable and instead offered her the land.

The Turn Key project is seeing increasing interest from persons, particularly those who fall within the low and middle income brackets. The first phase of the Turn Key project cost close to G$200 million and expects some 800 low income and 200 middle income families to benefit.

But despite the alteration, Gooding said he is very grateful that his young daughter can still get “a good head start in life by owning her own property.”

The East Bank Demerara corridor is home to one of the country’s most developed communities and several developing housing schemes. The Diamond Scheme is considered one of the most, if not the most, developed community along the East Bank. It currently houses three major commercial banks, a fire station, a diagnostic centre, secondary, primary and nursery schools, and a gas station with a food court.

Since the year began, the Ministry

had taken the One Stop Shop initiative to Zeeburg, Lethem and Region One (Barima-Waina). According to Tudor, the Ministry will be continuing the distribution of the house lots on the East Bank on Monday and will be taking the

with prices between $4 million to $7 million.

The Remigrant Housing Scheme is located north of the Mocha Main Road, about one mile east of the

Eyew tness

Forgetting history...

...or burying it??

As usual, whenever an inconvenient question is posed to the Opposition (one that they can’t answer without getting mud on their face), their media posse tries to twist the argument.

Take the recent intervention by Barrington Braithwaite and Jerome Khan about “history”. It was Moses Nagamootoo (in Queens, New York) and Khemraj Ramjattan (after the “coalition with the PNC-led APNU/ AFC was consummated) who asked Guyanese to forget the PNC’s past.

Both were responding to massive outrage after they swept proof of the PNC’s sordid history in rigging, terror, mayhem, arson and assassinations under the rug - which they’d personally exposed in the past.

Obviously justifying why he’s now in bed with Granger, leader of the PNC: Ramjattan pleaded that “no alliance would have been the end of the AFC”. Now if Ramjattan and Nagamootoo want to forget that Granger said the soldiers who shot two ballot box martyrs from #63 “behaved splendidly”, should the rest of Guyana??

But we’ll pose the question a bit differently to Barrington and Khan. In the SN article where Ramjattan justified his willingness not to confront Granger with proof of PNC’s rigging (which Granger denies) the AFC leader draws the “analogy” that you can’t keep on bringing up the “enslavement (of Africans) by the British”. They’re now our “friends”!! Really??

Ramjattan should have a conversation with Eric Phillips and the rest of the members of the Reparations Commission.

So because Granger’s now rescuing the AFC from oblivion and the British are now our “friends”, all of us - including African Guyanese “cannot forever look into the rearview mirror whilst driving forward”!! What an insulting pack of claptrap!!

The sad truth about Granger (Ramjattan simpered he was “an officer and a gentleman”) is that the old PNC’s proclivity for rigging isn’t just a historical aberration. No other than Greenidge and Faith Harding accused him of rigging the PNC’s leadership elections in 2005.

And Norton and the rest of the Linden delegation accused him of doing the same last year. That rift is still an open would. This is precisely why Guyanese can’t forget their history. Take for instance Granger’s late claim that the electoral list is “dirty”...even as he assures his supporters that - with Mr 11 per cent Nagamootoo at his side - they’ll win the elections for sure.

He’s just following Hoyte’s and Corbin example so that when they PNC (in whatever guise) loses, the supporters will fall for the “we wuz robbed” line and come out swinging.

At other Guyanese.

...but not Carter’s contribution

Granger says there is no evidence of “electoral rigging” under the PNC. But with the country about to roll out the red carpet in gratitude for President Jimmy Carter’s role in bringing back “free and fair elections to our fair land... can the Brigadier say what’s the hoopla all about?? Why did Carter have to “bring back” free and fair elections if previous elections were all hunky-dory??

Granger must be the only man in Guyana who needs to be convinced that elections under the PNC were “crooked as barbed wire” - as the British Peer Lord Chitnis described the 1980 version.

Granger’s buddy Rupert Roopnarine used the phrase in the report of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) of the said election. At that time neither Roopnarine’s nor Ramjattan’s mouth was muzzled by the hand that now feeds it. Anyhow, a big shoutout to President Carter for the role he played back in 1992.

Cheddi Jagan graciously admitted that without Carter’s influence he doubted that Hoyte would’ve conceded defeat.

After all, there was the strongman Hamilton Greene (not yet defanged) who’d screamed that Hoyte should’ve rigged the elections like old times!

...never again

We have to give kudos to Eric Philips, Chairman of the Reparations Committee for representing Guyana so ably at the historic Reparations Summit. At least, he didn’t go along with the nonsense to “forget history”.

saturday, april 18, 2015 |

Roopnaraine calls again for “revolution”

...declares there is “national unity” without PPP/C

Former Dictator

President Forbes Burnham, whose party People’s National Congress (PNC) is leading a six-party A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the May 11 polls should be allowed to rest in peace, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told a large crowd at the Plaisance Market Square Thursday night.

A leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) component of APNU and former Prime Ministerial Candidate for its losing bid at the 2011 elections, he was speaking on the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition platform as the party whips up its supporters for elections. Roopnaraine said Guyana could only move forward when there is unity. And according to him, that is what the AFC and APNU did when they signed the Cummingsburg Accord on February 14 last.

“There is nothing the PPP fears more than a united nation,” Roopnaraine told the crowd... “We understand deeply that before we could lift Guyana out of the wreckage, we need to unite the people of the country.”

Roopnaraine appeared to be signalling that after APNU coalesced with the AFC they have abandoned the line to which David Granger, leader of the PNC and APNU, had committed his party: that there could be no “national unity” without the PPP/C which has

never garnered less than 46 per cent of the vote.

However, Roopnaraine insisted to the residents that they should be part of the dream to see a “united Guyana”. According to him, national unity is something unaccustomed to the ruling PPP/C, as it is only concerned about one-party rule. “The fundamental of the PPP is that they only understand one-party rule. They are undemocratic. They have taken this resource-rich country and all the food we need to feed ourselves and have turned it into a slum. Guyana will not move forward with one-party rule. We are dreaming to unite Guyana, and you are a part of that dream,” he said.

His statement was regarded with the bemusement of some in the audience, since the leader of the WPA, Walter Rodney had long railed against the PNC after it declared that the PNC was “paramount” over the Government.

He related that the PPP/C has always been blaming all of the faulty things happening in the country on the late President and founding leader of the PNC, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. “They say everything is Burnham’s fault. GuySuCo collapse, it’s Burnham fault; problems in the rice industry, is Burnham’s fault”.

The party executive said that it was time for the late President to be left to “rest in peace”.

The ruling PPP/C has often reminded citizens of the atrocities committed under the Forbes Burnham

PNC Administration. The effects of these abuses still linger in the society. Some of the sordid details of that Administration have been revealed during the current Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry.

Poverty

Roopnaraine spoke to Guyana’s poverty situation, saying that the poor continues to be marginalised.

“How is it that a country with so much wealth still below the poverty line. It is because there is a small cabal enjoying the money at the expense of the poor , we must close the gap between the rich and poor,” he said.

Dr Roopnaraine failed to mention how with an estimated population of 747,884 people, Guyana has made significant strides in combating poverty. Under its Poverty Reduction Programme, the standard of living for thousands of Guyanese across the country has improved drastically, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said as she reported to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva last year. According to statistical reports provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), extreme poverty declined from 28.7 per cent in 1993 to 18.6 per cent in 2006, while moderate poverty stood at 36.1 per cent in 2006 as compared to 43.2 per cent in 1992. Today, it is estimated that the figure is well below 17 per cent with regard to those living in extreme poverty. Guyana, the Foreign Affairs Minister said, has attained the targets set by both the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 1 and the 1996 World Food Summit, by halving the absolute number of hungry people by 2015 and improving nutrition.

Crime

Meanwhile, touching on crime, Dr Roopnaraine said: “We have the ghastly crime situation, overworked and underpaid police. We want you to be part of the revolution on May 11.You have

the right to earn a decent living,” Roopnaraine told the crowd. He told residents that they should not believe that the work must be left to leaders and politicians alone. “This country needs a revolution. We will cast the ballots and sweep them aside,” he shouted over the microphone, pointing out too that until Indians and Africans come together, “we could not solve the problems

on the campaign trail, Roopnaraine had been severely criticised for emphasising the call for “revolution” in a polity in which there is almost a descent into violence by the Opposition, after elections.

Ancestral

Also speaking at the rally was PNC’s Chairman Basil Williams, who applauded residents of Plaisance for

on this country. We have a lot to work on, but we have to come together.” In a previous speech

the stance that they had taken against GuySuCo over a battle for large acres of land aback the village.

GuySuCo had made an amicable settlement with the villagers after they claimed some land in the backdam. He said the party was convinced that residents will on May 11 cast their votes solidly behind David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo.

Speaking to the country’s economic condition, Williams related that Guyana remains the second poorest country within Caricom. “Thirty-six per cent of the people here live in poverty; 40,000 households live in poverty. Imagine each of those household without a breadwinner. It appeared that he was willing to ignore more recent poverty figures. He said while Government boasts about Guyana’s per capita income which stands at US $3, 410, they have not expressed the distribution of the wealth, which clearly goes against what is being shared by government. “It is not so. It is a shrewd five per cent of this country that enjoys the wealth. The entire Guyana is dead poor. Don’t be surprised that the end is near, we are confident that come May 11 you would vote solidly for APNU,” Williams told the cheering crowd.

US, diplomatic community...

Marriott is an international brand very familiar to business owners and travellers globally given the quality of service it offers. The PSC said it was happy that many of its business partners and stakeholders will now be able to access service comparable to what they would receive in most other parts of the world.

“The ecosystem of business is global and this hotel will definitely contribute to Guyana being a part of that space and network of business travellers. We have no doubt that the Marriott Hotel will raise the image of businesses in our country when our international stakeholders choose to stay there during their visits to Guyana.” Persaud congratulated the Government for initiating such a visionary project. “It augurs well for the country and the business community when a global

brand such as Marriott and a reputable regional finance institution such as Republic Bank choose to do business in Guyana. We are also confident that the investments made and incentives provided by the Government of Guyana to materialise this project will bear the fruits expected.”

The 197-room hotel is complete with the 29,000 square foot entertainment complex that will house a casino, restaurant and nightclub all of which will be privately operated, separate and distinct from the hotel and its operator. The Guyana Marriott Hotel boasts services of an international standard and facilities such as business, fitness and entertainment centres, and guest rooms to meet various preferences and meeting spaces that could accommodate as many as 700 persons. There are also facilities that are

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tailored for the visually and hearing impaired. The glass finish of Marriott allows picturesque views of the city of Georgetown in the front or the Atlantic Ocean in the rear.

According to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) an estimated 12.2 per cent of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came from travel and tourism in 2011 up from 11.5 per cent in 2010. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that this sector will grow from $35.1 billion to $42.3 billion by 2021, nearly doubling from 2011 to 2021, making this hotel a worthwhile investment. The hotel is owned by AHI, a company owned by the Government through its shareholding company NICIL. AHI was incorporated in Guyana on September 10, 2009 under the Companies Act 1991.

APNU/AFC denies directing aggression against PPP/C

The People’s National Congress (PNC)-ledA Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has denied centrally directing activists to tear down and vandalise billboards of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Instead the coalition said that one of its activists has filed a Police complaint against a senior PPP/C official in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

“The APNU/AFC brings to the attention of the public the latest case of threats, intimidation and aggression by the PPP/C towards the coalition’s activists and supporters,” the coalition said in a statement.

According to the statement, an APNU/AFC activist in Region Two has filed a Police report concerning himself being threatened, verbally abused and intimidated by a senior PPP/C official on the Essequibo Coast in the Anna Regina area. APNU/AFC will provide full details, including names subsequently.

“This is the latest in a long line of APNU/AFC officials being harassed, abused, bullied, intimidated and threatened by the desperate PPP/C regime,” APNU/AFC said in a statement. “The APNU/AFC condemns these acts of aggression and desperation in the strongest possible terms. The coalition also dismisses the malicious claims made by PPP/C officials that there is a centrally organised plan to harass the PPP/C activists. There is no such plan and the APNU/AFC calls on the Guyanese people to judge the tone and temperature of the two political campaigns. The PPP/C is clearly propagating messages of division and hate while APNU/AFC’s campaign is based on national unity, inclusion and harmony.”

The coalition said in the face of the cowardly acts of intimidation and aggression by the PPP/C, the APNU/ AFC continues to call for calm and restraint of its supporters as victory is assured.

APNU/AFC bats for women, youth development

Amid criticisms that its top leaders are “anti-women” and have largely disregarded women, the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Executive Cathy Hughes detailed plans Thursday evening that would see the development of Guyanese women and youths.

She was at the time addressing a large gathering at the coalition’s mini-rally held on Plaisance LineTop, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Hughes saluted women who struggle daily to maintain their families by stretching whatever little is being earned by their partners or in some cases by themselves.

Hughes pointed out that women are strong and so resilient that they do not need a man beating on them, as she raised her voice against a societal scourge – domestic violence.

She also referred to the lack of facilities in place at the Police Stations to support women who are, in whatever way, victimised. The AFC member revealed that there needs to be special units in place at the stations with female officers along with psychologists and social workers. “We are going to put in place a comprehensive security programme. We have

to make sure we feel safe in our homes. Women must be able to walk the roads, our grandmothers mustn’t worry about being raped or robbed, which is what is happening today,” Hughes remarked.

She further informed the large gathering that an APNU/AFC Government will seek to have more micro loans available to females so that they get started with their own business ventures.

The AFC Executive added that women are known to be the most reliable in repaying debts. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has rolled out many micro enterprise schemes which have benefited large numbers of women across the country. One of the most successful of these programmes specifically tailored for women was the Women of Worth (WOW) initiative, which was administered by the Human Services Ministry. Through the scheme single women were granted small loans payable at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Developing youths

On the other hand, Hughes also spoke about the development of youths, saying jobs would be the main focus for an APNU/AFC Government. She recognised that young people are more technologically advanced and as such the coalition’s Presidential Candidate David Granger is already in talks with several telecommunications companies to

work out initiatives that will benefit them. She disclosed that companies are interested in opening call centres in Guyana.

However, the Government earlier this year announced that construction will soon commence at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and Enmore, ECD, for two call centres. Cabinet has already given its no objection to hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon had told reporters on January 7 that a $114 million contract was approved to construct a call centre at Tuschen while another $116 million contract was awarded for the construction of another call centre at Enmore. Government said the call centres are expected to provide approximately 600 persons with employment, and construction should be completed within six months of its commencement.

IT institutes

Additionally, the AFC member stated they also plan to build Technical Institutes in all the ten regions across the country. Hughes pleaded with the gathering to give the APNU/ AFC coalition the opportunity and their votes to prove that all this will be done, otherwise, they can vote the coalition out of power after the five years is over.

Meanwhile, PNC member Aubrey Norton also addressed the gathering, pointing out that the cur-

rent Government is only interested in themselves as such they should vote for a Government that will look out for their interest. “There are a number of reasons why we should vote this Government out but the main reason is that this Government is becoming little more elite and is getting rich at the expense of our people, while our people get poorer. This elite Government has become abusive, they are abusing their power,” he declared.

Additionally, former Deputy Speaker and PNCR member, Clarissa Riehl, also took the podium, stating too that the PPP/C is a selfish Government. She spoke about what she described as the deplorable state of the country’s education sector especially with teachers being underpaid. Riehl went onto say that the country has the potential. “With all the resources Guyana has, it should be up there but it is down here because of them, so on May 11 we have to vote them out,” she told the cheering crowd.

Both Riehl and Norton had virtually left the PNC following the chaotic congress last year which returned David Granger to the helm. Upcoming activist, Nia Gonsalves along with Leonard Craig also spoke and urged the gathering to vote for change on May 11. They noted that only the APNU/AFC coalition can bring about the change that the country “desperately” needs.

PPP/C readies Region...

Harper, the former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it was important to preserve Essequibo’s territorial borders against neighbouring Venezuela. “We cannot allow this to happen, the PPP/C will do everything in its capacity to protect the borders in every way hence ensuring borders security.”

Harper said she was using her campaigning as Prime Ministerial Candidate to help stamp out social ills in society, not-

ing that a country’s economic progress depended on the progress of the social sector. She further stated that domestic violence, suicide, and teenage pregnancy are some of the prevalent ills affecting society. Harper said she intended to work collectively with both males and females in trying to combat these scourges. She added more educational programmes as well as working with faith-based organisation were some of the things she intended to do to

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combat the issue of domestic violence. She also said that special interest will be focused on the elders ensuring that they are comfortable and catered for. Harper noted that young people have tonnes of opportunities under the PPP/C Government whether jobs, skills training, apprenticeship, technical studies. During her visit to the coast, persons used the opportunity to discuss problems affecting them in society.

Kissoon off list but not party – PNCR’s Volda Lawrence

Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and former Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Volda Lawrence says that her colleague, Region Ten’s representative, Vanessa Kissoon’s absence from the APNU/ AFC’s List of Candidates was not indicative of her position in the party.

Questioned by media operatives on whether she was at all concerned about Kissoon’s absence from the list since she has been con-

stantly talking about equal opportunities for women and women empowerment, Lawrence responded in the negative.

She said that Kissoon’s absence was only one of the many while pointing out that she is still very much a member of the PNCR. Lawrence was at the time speaking to media operatives on the issue of women rights and leadership. The former Member of Parliament noted, however, that she was confident that the APNU/AFC coalition will be the new Government and Kissoon will be required to fill one of the opening positions.

“If I may say, Vanessa Kissoon is a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and a member we value. Vanessa Kissoon was not chosen for the list like many others. There are hundreds of other women who are working in the background and who are not recognised and they are not on our list but you know what, we are going to be the new Government and we will have lots of positions to be filled and I am quite certain that Miss Kissoon

will be placed where she can exercise her experience for Guyana,” Lawrence said.

Kissoon broke her silence on the issue recently, stating that she was dropped from the list because of her refusal to issue an apology to the leadership of the party.

In an interview with another media outlet, Kissoon related that she was told that in order for her name to be placed on the list, she would have had to issue an apology. While she did not specify who the apology had to be given to, she has been involved in conflicts with the leader of APNU,

6490 GT&T subscribers

affected by vandalism in 2015

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited

(GT&T) has recorded 52 acts of vandalism which saw a total of 6490 customers from East Berbice to Linden being directly affected since the year started.

Occurrences of vandalism, the phone giant said, have spiralled out of control, noting that the deliberate, mindless destruction of, or damage to the country’s telecommunications facilities is not new.

In a release, the company stated that the cumulative effect of these acts have been the disruption of the lives and livelihoods of thousands of households and businesses; the threat posed to personal and national security; the unplanned expenditure of millions of dollars by the company in civil works, repairs and service restoration; the diversion of materials and personnel from routine activities to address emergencies; and the loss of millions in revenues consequent upon the cessation of telecommunications traffic.

“This state of affairs is unacceptable and unsustainable. And, insofar as network vandalism affects all of us, all of us must participate in this scourge. We have done everything in our

power to protect the network and in the process we have received continued support from the Guyana Police Force.”

Protect network

The company called for the much-needed support of the Government, the regulatory agencies and the entire populace to correct the situation. More importantly, GT&T appealed to individuals and institutions to partner with the company in the protection of the national telecommunications network.

“Observe what is happening in your neighbourhood or community; call us on 0908 to report suspicious activities directed at the network; in short, act as our eyes and ears,” it said.

In light of the recent destruction, the company has warned that the network facilities that serve the Guyanese populace may be targeted next; hence, it is calling on the public for support in terms of reporting vandalism. “It cannot be sufficient to simply press the company to expedite repairs and service restoration after the fact. Remember too that any information you share with us will be treated with the strictest confidence and that GT&T will offer a meaningful reward to anyone who

provides information that leads to the apprehension of vandals and their prosecution,” the company stated.

David Granger; the party’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally; and PNCR General Secretary, Oscar Clarke.

Her relationship with the leaders of the PNCR deteriorated following an altercation with the General Secretary at the party’s Sophia Headquarters last year. It was alleged that Kissoon verbally and physically assaulted the General Secretary. Subsequent to PNCR’s Biennial Congress in July, Kissoon was instructed to apologise for misconduct; however, this recommendation, which was made by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, was ignored.

In September, 2014, another letter was dispatched to Kissoon by the Opposition Leader regarding her membership in the party, but she did not issue an immediate response.

When questioned by media operatives on why Kissoon’s name was not present on the party’s official List of Candidates for the upcoming election, Granger responded that Kissoon had already served two terms and as such, the decision was taken to not include her. He refused to comment when it was pointed out that several others such as Amna Ally had already served two terms and were still on the list. He also refused to divulge whether Kissoon was officially consulted on the decision and what had been her response.

Trio found guilty of armed robbery

Three men were jailed on Friday after being found guilty of armed robbery. The trio, Keon Simon, Akeem Marshall and Lionel Khudu had appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The decision was given by Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court Five where she ruled that the Prosecution team, led by Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the trio had indeed robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC), Anthony Powley on January 12, 2015.

The particulars of the charge detailed that the men went to the VC’s premises in La Penitence, Georgetown around 03:15h on the day in question while he was alone.

The VC had heard a noise outside his apartment and when he ventured outside to investigate, he was immediately confronted by the armed convicts at his door.

It was further explained that the trio charged into the VC’s home and took his $20,000 TV cellular phone,

his $70,000 laptop and $7,500 in cash.

It was someone in the vicinity that had alerted the Police after witnessing the initial stage of the robbery. When the Police arrived on the scene, it was Powley who had opened the door and the assailants were still inside.

Simon was found with the cellular phone and cash in his pocket while the laptop was in a bag belonging to the men. However, the gun

that was reportedly used was never found.

Thus Magistrate sentenced the men to six months imprisonment with a fine of $75,000 each.

Simon and Marshall currently is on trial for another charge of armed robbery after robbing Nadira Rambakan, Chandra Deol Rambakan, Ineze Hope and Christopher Langevine of $44,150,000 worth in cash and items on January 15, 2015.

Their case is being tried in Court Two before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

PPP/C is all about development – Darchiville

Former member of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Francis Darchiville, who has now endorsed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), said the incumbent party is all about development.

Darchiville was at the time addressing a gathering at a PPP/C meeting at Charity last Saturday. He urged persons to vote wisely and put their “X” next to the cup which he said will ensure a stronger Guyana.

Darchiville, who spoke passionately, said every vote is important to ensure the continuity of massive development, transformation and modernisation. He said there has been tremendous transformation in every sector in Guyana under the present Administration, and noted there is no other party that can transform Guyana better than the PPP/C. The former Regional Democratic Councillor (RDC) said that the Presidential Candidate for the PNC-led coalition A

Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) David Granger does not have a clear track record.

“Is David Granger blind, how can he say there is no progress under the PPP/C? He needs to test his eyes for blindness,” Darchiville told the gathering.

He said that Granger should be ashamed to say that Guyana has not progressed since 1992. “I called upon you, judge for yourself, throughout Guyana there are many investments, there are evident and very clear, just judge,” Darchiville instructed the crowd.

He encouraged the residents of Charity to re-elect the present Administration so that the developmental process can continue, and Guyana can move ahead to be a more peaceful and prosperous nation. Darchiville, who lived in the United States for almost 26 years, said he returned to Guyana to live because of the progress

and the development that are taking place throughout the country.

At the end of the meeting, Darchiville used the opportunity to interact with residents. “The Opposition is not interested in development, a bunch of power drunk individual,” he said.

Meanwhile, former APNU Member of Parliament, Africo Selman, who recently endorsed the ruling party, also told the meeting that the PPP/C was the better party to move the country forward. She said the Opposition is not concerned about Guyana’s development but rather interested in power. She described the Opposition as “a bunch of hypocrites in disguise” while pleading with residents not to allow persons who are power-drunk and disrespectful to take over Guyana.

“I call upon you, stand up, and stamp out, anti-democracy, anti-development, anti-women and

anti-youth. These leaders know nothing about economics, they are purely militarised persons, be careful,” Selman warned. During her address, she used the opportunity to educate the youths about the PNC and what they did when they were in power. “They are all about rigging, a set of scamps, they rig their own congress elections just to be in power,

that’s how desperate for power they are,” she said.

She told residents only the Donald Ramotar Administration can move Guyana forward while calling on persons to put their “X” next to the cup.

“You just can’t afford to support a group of people who are all in quest for power, they call themselves coalition, APNU/ AFC made up of a group

of old retired military men headed by David Granger, Joseph Harmon and Winston Felix who are all tired, retired old men who want to control the democracy of Guyana and make mockery of the system.” She warned Essequibians that the Opposition changed their names many times and not to be fooled by their promises.

Angoys Avenue murder suspect’s house set ablaze

Afire, which is believed to be an act of arson, completely destroyed a one story house at Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) on Thursday evening, while quick response from the fire department saved another, also suspected to be an act of arson. The fires at the two houses are believed to be a vendetta for slain Angoys Avenue resident, Patrick Boodie.

Reports are that shortly after 23:00h on Thursday, fire was seen coming from a building at Mount Sinai. At the time of the blaze no one was at home. The house is owned by one of three men Police are looking for as they continue their investigation into the murder of Boodie.

The 38-year-old man of Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue was killed on Wednesday a short distance from his home. Shortly before be -

ing killed, Boodie was involved in an argument with a man over a grass fire that had spread from Calvin Charles’ land to the neighbouring premises. The argument escalated into a confrontation among Boodie, Charles, the man and his brother.

The two brothers whose identifies have not been revealed were reportedly armed with a cutlass and a handgun.

Boodie was killed while Charles (his brother) and a bystander, Jason Nicholson sustained injuries.

According to eyewitnesses, on Thursday night, the fire was seen coming from inside the building and within seconds engulfed the entire building. Moments later, smoke and flames were seen coming from another building about 60 metres away. A mattress was apparently set ablaze along with a piece of fabric.

According to residents, moments after the incident on Wednesday, the owner of the house which was completely destroyed by fire fled and has not been seen since. The two

occupants of the second house also disappeared at about the same time and have not been seen since.

Meanwhile, some residents say that the brothers may have lost some valuable assets due to the grass fire that Charles lit on Wednesday. Charles had said that the house, where the suspects were staying in, was frequently used as “an illegal drug market place.”

Reports are that on many occasions illegal drugs are stored in nearby bushes. It is believed that the grass fire lit by Charles might have destroyed things other than grass. Police have made no arrest in relation to the suspected arson. Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on the body of Boodie by Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan on Friday revealed that he died as a result of shock and hemorrhage due to multiple gunshot wounds. Seven bullet holes were found on the body and three wounds believed to have been made by a sharp edged instrument.

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All roads will definitely lead to Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands for the Guyana Defence Force’s GenderBased Violence and Stigma Discrimination Fair and after-concert. The event is set for Thursday, April 30.

The event is being held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the GDF and is being organised by the 50th Anniversary Committee in collaboration with the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The Fair will be held

on the front lawns of Base Camp Ayanganna, commencing from 10:00h to 16:30h with the objective of sensitising patrons about the ills of gender-based violence and discrimination through the dissemination of information via pamphlets, presentations and music.

Persons who attend the Fair will benefit from free eye testing, blood sugar and pressure testing, free dental screening, and free consultation with doctors among other activities . The Fair has been on the GDF’s calendar

of activities for the past few years.

As the sun sets, Guyanese will be treated to one of the biggest concerts with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry in the region. These include Guyana’s very own Natural Black, Timeka Marshall, Jackie Jaxx, Romeo Mystic “Coolie Bhai” and Jamaican reggae artiste Taurrus Riley along with Jamaican vocalist Tanya Stephens.

Gates for the concert open at 18:00h. General admission is $2500 and VIP $10,000.

Come Saturday, May 2, the Miss Global Guyana 2015 final is set for the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston at 20:00h. It will be an evening of glitz, glamour, poise and intelligence.

The evening will see the contenders battling for a chance to represent Guyana at the 11th Miss Global International pageant slated to be held in the twinisland republic of Trinidad and Tobago later in the year.

The delegates will compete against each other in

the swimwear, introduction, talent, evening gown, interview and question-and-answer segments before a wellexperienced panel of judges and patrons.

Patrons will get a chance to vote for their favourite contestants in the on-thespot voting segment whose results will be added to delegates’ final score.

Entertainment will be provided by Guyana’s party boss WR Reaz and Radio Guyana Inc’s Surida Nagreadis, with an exclusive fashion show by young

Joshua Joe, the fourth of 10 children was born on June 6, 1980 in the village of Bartica, and now resides at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. Joshua began singing in the church at age four and continued to grow in his art; he started developing his songwriting skills at the age of 12.

In honing his skills, he performed at little functions (birthday parties, school concert etc) , getting from time to time little incentives such as a bunch of bananas, a box of biscuit, a packet of milk.

As he grew and continued to sing, he became a much-requested songster at every event in his community, as well as for many con-

certs and events around the country. At age 16, he won the best male vocalist award for his country and the In Search of a Star Guyana song competition.

Recently, Joshua has shared the stage with many famous gospel artists including Donnie Mc Clurkin, CeCe Winans, Papa San, DJ Nicholas, Prodigal Son, and Ian Pitter, to name a few.

The father of one has also ministered at Barbados Son Fest, Barbados Gospel Fest, and performed in other countries such as Suriname, St Vincent, and Brazil. Joshua Joe is currently one of the most dynamic and most requested local gospel artists.

He is currently the worship leader at his church, People’s Assemblies of God

Tickets for the event cost $2500 for reserved stage front and $1500 for general seating and are available at Cocoa Stix Spa and Salon at 251 South Road, Bourda. Persons can call 688-0036 for more information.

Guyana, in Industry, East Coast Demerara. That passion for worship has permeated his life: he assists churches in worship/ worship team training and voice training.

A truly modern Gospel singer, Joshua utilises Reggae, Dancehall, Soft Rock and R&B stylings and melodies to spread the Word and worship the Creator. His singles include “Jesus Never Fail”, “So in Love With You”, “Liar” and “Don’t You Give Up” and were recorded at Darell Pugsley Studio. His songs all have a solid message, which will lead one to repentance, dedication and a closer walk with Jesus, serving as a source of encouragement, regardless of the trials being faced.

Comedy lovers on the East Coast of Demerara are in for a treat Saturday, April 25 as the popular theatrical show “Laff till yu fraff” is held at the Better Hope Community Centre Ground. Given the cast slated to perform, those who plan to attend the show are advised to proceed with caution and expect to “laugh till yuh can’t laugh no more”. If you are suffering from any heart

ailment, it is advisable that you stay at home.

Heating up the Community Centre Ground on Saturday will be the promoter, Rajan Tiwari, also called “Katahar”; Chris Gopaul; Michael Ignatius, also called “Credit”; Sonia Yarde and Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones. There will also be performances by the Shelita Dance Troupe that is expected to add some flavour to the already hyped show.

Music will be provided by Hi Tec Music System. There will also be special attractions for the children in attendance.

Admission to the event costs $500 for adults and $300 for children. Tickets will be available at the gates. There will also be VIP seating available. Be sure to be early so that you will not miss any of the fun. There will be other attractions including a well-stocked bar.

Growth in remittances to Caribbean will slow down in 2015

The World Bank says remittances growth in the Caribbean is expected to slow in 2015. In its Migration and Development Brief, the World Bank stated that growth in global remittances – a sum of money sent in payment for goods/services or as a gift – including those to developing countries, such as the Caribbean, will slow sharply this year due to weak economic growth in Europe, deterioration of the Russian economy and the depreciation of the Euro and Ruble.

In the Latin America and Caribbean region, the World Bank said remittances are expected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2015 to US$66 billion.

“While this growth is slower than that seen in 2014, it is significantly higher than the anaemic pace of the post-crisis period,” the bank said.

It, however, said the outlook for the region is “posi-

tive, as remittance inflows are expected to benefit from growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment in the United States, although this will be offset by high unemployment in Spain”.

The report says remittances to the region are expected to grow to US$69 billion in 2016 and US$71 billion in 2017.

Officially recorded remittances to the developing

world are expected to reach US$440 billion in 2015, an increase of 0.9 per cent over the previous year, with the report indicating that global remittances, including those to high income countries, are projected to grow by 0.4 per cent to US$586 billion.

Overall, the report says the 2015 remittance growth rates are the slowest since the global financial crisis in 2008/09. (Exert from CMC)

Argentina fights oil drilling near the Falkland

Argentina has begun legal proceedings against three British and two American companies for drilling oil near the Falkland Islands, located off the eastern coast of Argentina. Daniel Filmus, Argentina’s Minister for the islands, recently announced the case in London.

The companies involved are Falkland Oil and Gas, Premier Oil, Rockhopper, Edison International and Noble Energy.

Mr Filmus told the BBC the companies were “performing illegal acts by entering Argentine territory”.

He added, “I want to make it clear for the directors of these companies and for British public opinion that Argentina will use the

full force of the law - both national and international law - to prevent these countries from taking the riches which belong to 40 million citizens of Argentina.”

“Argentina has extradition treaties around the world and we intend to use them.”

He added that the area being drilled was “as much ours as the centre of Buenos Aires. Neither the UK nor any other country would allow anyone to enter their territory and take away their riches.”

He said the islanders had a “perfect right to develop their own economic resources and Argentina needs to stop this kind of behaviour and start acting like a responsible member of the in-

Islands

ternational community”.

The Falklands Islands also said the Argentines had no case.

“We have the right to develop our economy, including the hydrocarbons industry, and we are exercising that right,” it said.

“It is worth remembering that it was the government of Argentina who walked away from working with the Falkland Islands on the development of a hydrocarbons industry some years ago.

“Argentine domestic law does not apply to the Falkland Islands and this latest action is clearly another attempt by Argentina to try to block economic growth in the Falkland Islands.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

Antigua looks on as Guyana welcomes the Marriott

Marriott Resorts International expressed a desire to expand to other parts of the Caribbean, but said that Antigua and Barbuda was not on its agenda at this time.

Tourism officials here have been eyeing Marriott and other big names in the global hotel franchise.

But Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Marriott International, Brenda Durham, stated that financing in the Caribbean is difficult.

“There are no immediate plans for a Marriott in Antigua, but Marriott would

like to increase their footprint in the Caribbean,” she said.

Although Tourism Minister Asot Michael met with regional presidents for Marriott and other big name hotels in Berlin last month, he failed to secure a deal.

The Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party administration has lamented the previous Government’s failure to attract international hotel brands.

On Thursday evening, the Marriott, located in Georgetown, became the first major hotel to open in Guyana in more than 40

years. The facility boasts 179 guest rooms with picturesque views of the Demerara River meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Over 200 Guyanese nationals, who underwent 300 hours of training, are employed at the new hotel.

However the glossy opening ceremony was marked by protests from residents who are of the view that the money could have been better spent to improve facilities at the University of Guyana, improve medical care and establish a five star hospitality training institute. (Excerpt

St Lucia installs test towers for potential wind farm

St Lucia is embarking on its first renewable energy project with the construction of a test tower that will assess the potential for a 12 megawatt wind farm on the country’s east coast.

The project is being undertaken by the Government in collaboration with St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) and WindTex Energy, a USbased company.

A government announcement noted that in order to prepare a bankable proposal to ensure the success of this venture, WindTex Energy must collect wind energy data at the site and at the turbine hub height of 60 metres.

The test tower will be used to collect data on wind speed, wind direction, humidity and barometric pressure for a period of about six months.

“The data collected will feed in to a model to determine the feasibility of establishing wind turbines that can provide lower cost energy to the population of St Lucia,” the statement said.

St Maarten’s 46th Carnival has begun

Carnival has started!

The official opening by Minister of Culture Rita Bourne-Gumbs, who “unlocked” the door to the village with a large golden key, took place on Thursday evening.

A parade had led the way to the official opening, which saw hundreds of people in the streets of Philipsburg dance to the tunes of bands and deejays in opening Jumpup for the 46th St. Maarten Carnival.

The Jump-up arrived at the Village shortly before 23:30h. Minister BourneGumbs then performed the opening ceremony, joined by St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) President Michael Granger, a TelEm repre-

sentative, Carnival Queens, Calypso Kings and, for the first time, King Momo himself was present.

The stream of people followed the trucks into the Carnival Village while the ceremony took place. The atmosphere was good with smiles all around.

A large number of booths sold food and drinks, and the smells of barbecued chicken and ribs wafted through the village, whilst the opening group made their way to the stage where various selfies and group photographs were taken.

A representative of the main sponsor TelEm thanked the SCDF, TelEm staff and Government for supporting Carnival and said was proud to have had help building the

stage in red, referring to the large TelEm logo against a red background making the backdrop of the stage. She urged everyone to go back to the roots of Carnival by not

The tower is situated a few metres off the highway, in the vicinity of the Bordelais Correctional Facility. Pre-feasibility studies identified this site as the preferred one for windgenerated energy. WindTex Energy has also secured a lease agreement with the landowners for the establishment of the wind farm.

Permanent secretary in the Energy Minister, Sylvester Clauzel, said the erection of the test tower is a significant milestone in St Lucia`s quest to achieve 35 per cent renewable energy

independence by the year 2020.

He added that the initiative complements the surface exploration for geothermal energy currently taking place in the west coast town of Soufriere. The exploration is seeking to provide a 15 megawatt base-load facility with a view to expanding to 30 megawatts.

Project manager Daune Heholt said that the proposed wind farm is an exciting project that can positively shape the energy landscape of St Lucia. (CMC)

two Jamaican women denied bail in trinidadian court

Two Jamaican women –Raquel Williams and Monique Dennis – are due to reappear in court on Monday after they were denied bail on a charge of stealing more than TT$834,000 following the murder of a Chinese businessman earlier this month.

The charges were laid indictably against the women, who were not called upon to plea, when they appeared before Magistrate Gillian David Scotland in the Tunapuna First Court, just east of Port of Spain.

Police claim that the women stole TT$834,782 from the Happiness Supermarket on April 7 after the owner, Ji Hong Huang, was shot and killed

during the robbery. The incident, which was captured on cameras, showed Huang exiting his white panel van with a cardboard box before he was attacked by one of two male robbers, who attempted to get a hold of the box which contained a sum of money. As both men struggled, another robber appeared and Huang was later seen clutching his chest and running into the supermarket. The men escaped with some of the money. However the box, still containing a quantity of cash, was left behind. Two women, the accused identified above, were then observed on the cameras removing the box from the scene. (CMC)

CANU focuses on building strong case against alleged drug trafficker

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) said it was concentrated on building a strong case against alleged drug trafficker Barry Dataram who was busted with over 100 kilograms of cocaine in his home at Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara on Thursday.

CANU Head James Singh, when contacted on Friday, confirmed that members of the Unit will be conducting a thorough investigation into the operations carried out by Dataram after which charges will be laid. This decision was made in light of the 2007 incident in which Dataram, also called “Mogatini”, successfully secured a court ruling here in Guyana to prevent him from being extradited to the US to face drug trafficking charges, although there was enough evidence to prosecute him.

Dataram gained notoriety in 2007 following the kidnapping of his wife, Sheleza, and their three-year-old daughter in December 2007 by two Venezuelans, one of whom was later shot dead in a confrontation with the Police. Dataram was then arrested and detained by Police beyond the 72-hour constitutional detention period during which persons can be held without being charged. His lawyers subsequently approached the court with a habeas corpus writ, but Police asked for an extension to conclude their investigation into the kidnapping, which they said was drug-related. What followed was a series of court

Barry Dataram

appearances during which Dataram was twice set free and rearrested. He was finally set free in December 2008 when he had appeared before Justice Charles Ramson who was a High Court judge at the time.

Red-handed

James also disclosed that members of the Unit have revisited the area to conduct further investigations into the drug bust. He also stated that several others were taken into custody as investigations are ongoing. On Thursday, Dataram’s wife, along with two workers, was arrested following the discovery of more than 102 kilograms (225 pounds) of cocaine, a quantity of high powered ammunition and a large sum of money.

It was reported that members of the drug enforcement unit found the cocaine in various parts of the house in several packages of frozen seafood suspected to have been prepared for ship-

ment. CANU, acting on intelligence, swooped down on the house where the businessman was caught redhanded after. Singh noted that the businessman has been under surveillance for quite some time. The house is suspected to be the place where the cocaine is packaged and prepared for export by mules.

Mule

Also on Thursday, Reuben Lam, a US citizen, was nabbed by members of the Police Narcotics Branch as he was attempting to smuggle out 5.2kg of cocaine through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. He was subsequently sentenced to three years and fined over $1.5 million after he pleaded guilty to the charge of drug trafficking at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

On Monday last, Arthur Manget, a Canadian citizen, was busted with just over nine kilos of cocaine at the CJIA. The 68-year-old man was on Thursday charged and remanded to prison.

Following the huge cocaine bust on Thursday, CANU’s head highlighted that it would be working closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and also regional drug enforcement units to continue to fight the drug trade in Guyana. He reiterated that the unit has been performing exceedingly well despite the budget cut to the subject ministry. They will continue to work with various stakeholders to put a dent in the drug trade.

Quartet in court for trespassing on Reeaz Khan Trading property

Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on Thursday released three family members on their own recognisance after they appeared before her accused of trespassing on a property located at Eccles Industrial Estate, East Bank Demerara. Owner of the property, Reeaz Khan Trading Enterprise Limited, took DAX Contracting Services Incorporated and its owners to court for trespassing the land. On Monday, Faizal Mohamed answered to two charges filed as against him and another two filed against the company. He told the court that he was the Secretary of the company. Mohamed pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognisance. His attorney objected to the charges laid against his

client’s three family members, saying that the law only provides for charges to be made out against one family member. The complainant’s lawyer then informed the court that this was not so and requested time to submit the relevant authority. As such, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter for three days.

On Thursday’s date when the matter was called up again, Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry was presented with a copy of the Interpretation and General Clauses under Section 44 of the Criminal Act.

After reviewing the document, the Chief Magistrate proceeded to read the charges of wilful trespass against the three defendants, who are representatives of the business entity, which is located at Lot 41 Eccles Industrial

Ramayya guilty of contempt of court

Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Veerasammy Ramayya has been fined $15,000 for disregarding a court motion which had ordered him to apologise to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha over remarks he made on a television show in Berbice.

Represented by Attorneyat-Law Charrandas Persaud, Ramayya appeared before Justice William Ramlal at the New Amsterdam High Court on Friday after a contempt motion was filed against him by Mustapha.

Mustapha’s legal representative, Attorney-at-Law

Adrian Anamaya told the court that Ramayya was required to submit an affidavit in answer to the court, however, an affidavit in defense was submitted instead. According to Anamaya, the document was thrown out by Justice Ramlal and Ramayya was fined $15,000. He is now expected to return to court on May 15.

A contempt motion in the court was filed against Ramayya after he had failed to adhere to a court order after he lost a libelous lawsuit that was filed by the PPP/C official. After appearing before Justice Nareshwar Haranand in the New Amsterdam High Court on March 3, Ramayya was given seven days to issue an apology via both print and electronic media to Mustapha after he was found guilty of spreading libellous information about the PPP/C official.

Ramayya was ordered to read and issue a specifically crafted document, but instead, on March 7, the AFC Executive appeared on his television programme on DTV Channel 8, in Berbice, where he said: “I was ordered by the court and I am not very comfortable with what I have to do or say. On behalf of myself and the TV station, we want to apologise to Zulfi Mustapha for the al-

legation that was made on this television programme. So that ends this episode with a very big full stop.” He was also supposed to have a printed apology appear in one of the local newspapers within that sevenday time period, which he also failed to do. As a result, a contempt motion was filed in the court against him. However, just two days be-

fore he made his court appearance, Ramayya issued the apology in the Kaieteur Newspaper on April 15. According to Anamaya, Ramayya is maintaining that he still apologised to Mustapha and is asking the court to take that into consideration.

21-year-old mechanic accused of stealing bike

A21-year-old mechanic was placed on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday on a charge of simple larceny.

Benekman Smart, of 32 First Street, Burnham Drive, Linden, pleaded guilty to the charge, which read that on March 20, at Pike Street, Georgetown, he

stole one 250CC motorcycle CH1594 worth $440,000, property of Joseph Barnes.

According to the Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis, on the day in question, Barnes secured his motorcycle at Pike Street and sometime after the defendant stole the motorcycle and took it to another location where he had it stripped of all its components.

Speaking to the court,

the defendant offered to compensate the Virtual Complainant for his losses in exchange for the matter to being dismissed. Bail was also requested on the grounds that the man had never had any previous convictions nor was he a flight risk. Bail was granted in the sum of $100,000 and the matter will return to court on a later date.

Estate.

The charges read that the said officials from DAX Contracting Services Incorporated, namely Bibi Azeena Mohamed, Shamshaud Nerissa Mohammed and Ferzanna Alisa Mohamed, while acting in their managerial capacity consented to or connived to trespass upon land situated at Lot 55 and 57 Eccles Industrial Estate, property of Reeaz Trading Enterprises Limited.

The prosecution stated that DAX Contracting Services Incorporated unlawfully entered the land and remained there even after being asked to remove by the owner.

The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge and were also released on selfbail. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for May 7.

Hinds Jr’s case sent to High Court

The unprecedented nature of the case of Samuel Hinds Junior appears to be quite a puzzle for the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as the matter was further referred to the High Court on Friday for orders on the way forward.

The Prime Minister’s son was expected to appear in Court 11 on Friday for what should have been the commencement of his trial or a date to be set for its commencement. However, Magistrate Annette Singh, who presides in Court 11, stated that she did not have the legal authority to retry the case or to call a decision.

This decision by the Magistrate contradicts the ruling that was handed down by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on April 8 after Court 11 had asked for advice on the mat-

ter and had been thus advised to retry the case.

However, Magistrate Singh finds herself in a legal predicament as Guyana Times understands that she is unable to retry the case as there is the possibility of a call for its dismissal through an application of double jeopardy by the defence. Thus, the Magistrate filed a motion for Practice Direction to the High Court to guide her on the way forward on such an unprecedented case.

According to reports from legal personnel, the matter of Hinds Jr was unprecedented in nature as it was the first case in Guyana in which a decision was handed down by one Magistrate and the case expected to be retried by another.

The defendant had first appeared in Court One on the charge of unlawful-

ly wounding his sister-inlaw, Tenza Lane, and using threatening language. The charges detailed that he had gotten upset as he believed the Virtual Complainant (VC) had stolen his cellular phone.

Hinds Jr is accused of

pulling a gun on the VC and threatening to kill her at his Lot 83 Duke Street, Kingston residence on February 27, 2014. His case was initially prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Renatta Bentham who had elaborated that the defendant had allegedly grabbed Layne by her hair and pulled her to the ground where he was able to stamp her on her face. She stated that he had even dragged the VC around his home even after beating her with a cane and utilising other forms of abuse.

Questions of law

After months of trial, Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond had ruled that he was guilty of all that he was accused. However, the Magistrate was dismissed after being found in breach of protocol and other relat-

ed issues by the Judicial Service Commission before she could sentence the defendant.

Given the circumstances surrounding the Magistrate’s dismissal, Hinds Jr’s case – with a range of others – have come under scrutiny of not being satisfactorily tried.

Several lawyers have agreed with the DPP’s ruling that the matter cannot be decided by a judge that has not sat through the months of trial.

Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos told the Guyana Times that Magistrate Singh “has no power to sentence him”. He stated that she has not heard the evidence and thus was unable to sentence Hinds Jr, adding that a retrial did seem to be the better option. However, the lawyer stated that the question of double jeopardy

would be used by the defence in such a case.

Double jeopardy means that an accused cannot be tried for the same offense twice, which would result in the dismissal of the matter altogether. However, some believe that there was no basis for double jeopardy to be used as the case was not completed against Hinds Jr before Magistrate ChandanEdmond was dismissed –but that argument can be successfully be delivered by the defence and accepted.

James Bond, another attorney, stated that Magistrate Singh was between in a rock and a hard place with this case – as a sentence would definitely be an injustice while a new trial had its challenges.

Hinds Jr’s matter is expected to be called in Court 11 on May 7 to hear the High Court’s ruling.

No arrest yet in businessman’s murder

As Police continue their investigation into the murder of Hamson’s General Store boss Farouk Ghanie, 56, the perpetrator is yet to be arrested, but several persons, including the man’s girlfriend, were questioned.

A Police source told the Guyana Times that robbery was ruled out, since the man’s personal belongings were intact, and the murder might have stemmed from an old grievance.

He added that the murder weapon has not been recovered, but investiga-

tors are working on several theories that may lead to the arrest of the person responsible for the businessman’s murder. The area where the man was found was dusted for fingerprints as well as the gate which it is suspected the suspect walked through.

An empty plot of land adjacent to the man’s house was also searched, but no clues were unearthed and there were no signs of forced entry on the man’s premise, leaving investigators to believe that the man was murdered even before opening his house on the night he was

killed.

The Hamson’s General Store owner was on Thursday morning found dead at his Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home with at two stab wounds to his chest.

Ghanie, of Lot 97 Collingwood Avenue, Nandy Park, was found by his girlfriend Vanessa (only name given) who went to check on him after several calls to his phone went unanswered.

The man who lived alone was found lying on his back and might have been dead for more than 12 hours.

The businessman was last seen dropping off a worker in Georgetown before heading home. Neighbours claimed that they did not see any strange movements or heard any unusual sound except that the man’s house was in darkness Wednesday night.

At that time, they thought that the man was out of the country. Upon the discovery on Thursday morning, the neighbours were terrified and called for Police patrols in the area.

His brother, Fizal Hamid explained that he

received a call from the man’s girlfriend with the news. He concluded that the murderer had to be someone who was familiar with the man’s premises and dogs.

Hamid also stated that his now dead brother did not have any enemies and was not sure who would want to kill him in such a brutal manner, but he recalled that his brother and an ex-employee had a heated argument sometime back. He said he did not want to speculate further.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

South Africa shops looted despite Zuma call for peace

Foreign-owned shops in South Africa have been attacked and looted in east Johannesburg, the latest in a series of xenophobic attacks.

A standoff developed in the city, with Police forming a barrier between an angry crowd and foreign-owned shops.

The violence comes despite Thursday’s rally against xenophobia in the coastal city of Durban, and condemnation from President Jacob Zuma.

At least five people have died in anti-foreigner attacks in recent weeks.

Migrants, mostly from other African states and

Asia, have moved to South Africa in large numbers since white-minority rule ended in 1994.

A new standoff began in the eastern suburb of Jeppestown on Friday, as Police sought to prevent people from attacking more shops.

Police also used rubber bullets to disperse a group of migrants in Johannesburg who had armed themselves with machetes for protection.

The acting Premier of the Gauteng province around Johannesburg, Qedani Mahlangu, called on “each and every South African who’s a peace-loving South

African to stand up and condemn this.”

On Thursday, President Zuma condemned the recent xenophobic attacks as “shocking”.

“No amount of frustration or anger can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops,” he told Parliament on Thursday.

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has been accused of fuelling the attacks by saying that foreigners should “go back to their countries”. However, he said that his comments had been distorted. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Microsoft unveils touch-friendly Office apps for Windows phones

On Friday April 17, Microsoft Corporation unveiled a long awaited suite of touch-friendly Office apps that allow Windows phone users to work on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents on their phones with touch commands and be able to transfer them easily between devices.

Test versions of what Microsoft is calling its Office Universal apps are available to download immediately and full versions will be available by the end of the month, re-

ported a Microsoft representative.

Many Office users have waited months for Microsoft to introduce the apps. It will adapt their look and commands to portable devices being used on a more frequent basis, whether Windows Phones or tablets.

Microsoft, in a departure from tradition, has already released similar touch-friendly Office apps for Apple’s iPad and iPhone, and tablets operating on Google’s Android technology.

The company’s reason-

ing was that those popular devices, which have dominated mobile computing, represented a bigger and more lucrative market for its Office products than its own Windows mobile devices.

Basic functions are free for everyone, but for advanced editing features, users must pay a subscription fee to Office 365, Microsoft’s cloud-based version of Office.

Microsoft is set to release a new version of Office for desktop PCs and Windows later this year. (Reuters)

UN seeks US$274M in Yemen humanitarian appeal

The United Nations launched an appeal for almost US$274 million to aid 7.5 million people in Yemen over the next three months, as fighting intensifies in the south and air strikes continue in 18 of the country’s 22 provinces.

The UN humanitarian agency, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said on Friday that about 150,000 people have been displaced; 50 per cent more than the previous UN estimate on the current situation.

OCHA stated that health facilities had reported 767 deaths from March 19 to April 13, almost certainly an underestimate.

“Thousands of families

have now fled their homes as a result of the fighting and air strikes,” the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Johannes Van Der Klaauw, said in a statement. “Ordinary families are struggling to access health care, water, food and fuel - basic requirements for their survival.”

The fighting had destroyed, damaged or disrupted at least five hospitals, 15 schools, Yemen’s three main airports, two bridges, two factories and four mosques, as well as markets, power stations and water and sanitation facilities, OCHA reported.

“Public water services covering 1 million people are at serious risk of collapse,” the UN appeal document said.

“Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, including people who have been direct victims of violence and those suffering severe burns from explosions.”

Even before the current conflict, Yemen was in a large-scale humanitarian crisis, with 15.9 million people61 per cent of the population - estimated to require some kind of humanitarian aid.

The UN calculates it needs US$273.7 million to provide what Yemen needs; the largest part aiming to ensure food security for 2.6 million people. Yemen already had 10.5 million people classed as “food insecure” in December 2014. That number has now risen to 12 million and is expectedto rise further as the fighting continues. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Memorial service held for Alps crash victims

Emotional tributes have been paid to the victims of last month’s Alps plane crash at a memorial service held Friday, April 17.

Some 500 relatives of the dead were among the 1400 congregation at Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was joined by Ministers from France and Spain, and Executives from the aircraft company, Germanwings, and its parent company Lufthansa.

The two-hour service included tributes from rela-

tives, dignitaries and members of the emergency services.

German President Joachim Gauck told the congregation that the country was still in “enormous shock”.

“We face not only sadness and pain but also the horror of peering into the abyss inside the human soul, even inside our human existence itself,” Mr Gauck said.

A sister of one of the victims told mourners, “Let love be stronger than the desperation in the midst of sorrow.”

Organisers placed 150 candles inside the church,

one for every person who died, including the Co-pilot, Adreas Lubitz, who has been accused of deliberately flying the plane into the French Alps.

When asked about the decision to include the Copilot, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Archbishop of Cologne, said that it is not for us to judge.”

At the ceremony’s closing, Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz left the congregation with this message, “We must try to fill this hole with love and hope”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

saturday, april 18, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C knocks Granger’s call for low duty on new vehicles as wild

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Candidate Peter Ramsaroop said Opposition Leader David Granger’s call for lower duties on all new vehicles was merely a wild statement that was not extensively planned.

According to Ramsaroop, during a recent interview with the Guyana Times, the call for low duties on all new vehicles will allow for unregulated importation of any model of vehicles, even those big gas guzzlers that will pollute the environment. Ramsaroop disclosed the PPP/C’s manifesto has a detailed plan on how the Administration intended to address the issue of high tariffs on vehicles, while time ensuring the environment is protected.

“The pronouncements by the Opposition on various tax issues are cherry picking the system and lack an integrated approach... It is easy to make promises when campaigning, but the difference in this election is that the PPP/C has built a solid economic and social foundation,” he assured. Therefore, if re-elected, the PPP/C will lower the tariff on hybrid model cars as a means of encouraging buyers to “go green” and import newer and cleaner motor vehicles which will be in keeping with the Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) mandate.

This, Ramsaroop said, is an example of a well-worked out plan for progress as it included a means of allowing persons to purchase brand new vehicles while also allowing the Government to control the amount of environmentally unfriendly machines entering the country. In further undermining the policies of A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, the PPP/C politician said Granger’s call for massive reduction in all the taxes will only result in the country earning little to no revenue.

“The Opposition is trying to move back to a 1985 socialist state where they promise so many free things without the revenues to sustain the country,” he evaluated.

Long-term benefits

Ramsaroop noted too that the Opposition would complain of the low corporation taxes being charged, but explained that the current system has attracted more investors than ever before, resulting in the development of the economy through various projects and businesses, leading to job creation within the nation. Further, the

Couple sign bond to keep the peace

after assault charge

Dishonest business transactions resulted in a former couple appearing before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Nigel Abrams pleaded not guilty to a charge which alleged that on April 14, 2015 at Cornell Street, he made use of threatening language against Roshelle Reece, and assaulted her at the Mobile Police Outpost at Stabroek.

The Police Prosecutor stated that the defendant is known to the Virtual Complainant (VC), and on the day in question an argument ensued between the two during which the defendant threatened the VC and allegedly pulled a knife on her.

A report was made at the Police Outpost and the man was arrested. It was further stated that while at the Police Outpost he dealt the VC several punches.

According to the VC, she and the defendant have had an intimate relationship since December. She said that they both operate as vendors at the Stabroek Market, and the defendant helps her by storing her stocks in his mobile trolley.

The woman claimed that when she is unable to work the man sells her stocks for her but is in the habit of withholding large sums of moneys from the sale of the items.

She said that it has recently become the subject of many quarrels between her and Abrams, and on the day of the incident she had demanded that he repay her for the items he had sold. The woman said that the man became annoyed, pulled out a knife and threatened to kill her after which he chased her around the market.

She said that when he was arrested at the Police Outpost, he dealt her several punches.

Speaking in his defense, Abrams said that the allegations are false and that the woman has connived to exhort money from him. He said that as they share sexual relations the VC is of the expectation that he should provide her with some sort of financial support.

He claims that the stock that the woman is claiming as hers is his property. The man’s legal representative had earlier requested reasonable bail on the grounds that the defendant had not assaulted the VC as he was in handcuffs at the Police Outpost.

The woman offered to settle the matter for $80,000 which the defendant refused. The Magistrate released him on his own recognizance and had him sign a bond to keep the peace. The matter will return to court on May 18 for trial.

politician cited the transport economics of the deepwater harbour project, the road to Brazil, the bridging of the Corentyne River shared with Suriname and the new corridors of the East Bank and East Coast Demerara.

“These programmes are exciting, especially to the young professional and even the Diaspora as jobs in logistics management, engineering, maritime management, ship repairs, and trucking industry will be realised,” he noted.

Of course, he explained that

all of these opportunities will fall into place gradually and urged residents to look at the long-term benefits as well as the short-term benefits of these developments. In addition to those job opportunities, Ramsaroop underscored the abundance of technology centres being established all over the country, creating thousands of jobs for the population.

The PPP/C politician also touched base on the energy issue in Guyana, noting that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was at the top of the Government’s list of priorities after the May 11 elections. “While the electricity is being resolved, another programme had the Opposition not opposed, would have seen already the expansion of the manufacturing sector,” he lamented.

Ramsaroop also noted that the Government has plans to establish micro-credit facilities for small and medium-size businesses and developmental projects and incentivise the banking system so that it works for the greater benefit of businesses in agriculture, service and manufacturing. In putting it all into play, Ramsaroop said every aspect of the PPP/C’s manifesto was interrelated and would complement each other.

“Let’s say we have the road to

Brazil and a truck is driving from Brazil all the way to Berbice for the Deep Water Harbour, that truck has to get washed, it has to get gas, it has to get fixed, the driver got to find a hotel to sleep in, you see all of that creates a whole new section of jobs…you may not want a technology job with all these call centres…so now if I want to be a truck mechanic, I have the opportunity, I can go somewhere between Lethem to Linden and I set up my business. Those are local investment that bubbles up, and this is where the micro-financing comes in, you want to create a mechanic place on the highway, you come in for a loan. Those are support systems that new thinkers can now get an opportunity to become entrepreneurs,” he explained.

On that note, Ramsaroop boasted that the PPP/C’s plan was about now and aimed to implement programmes with the vision that by 2020, Guyana will move to a place where everyone, especially the younger generation, will have the opportunity to develop their careers and ultimately earn a higher income. “A vote for the Opposition is a vote for return to a failed era politics… the PPP/C vision 2020 is an exciting plan, doable, and with all working together, it is achievable,” he maintained.

Compliance with VAT pricing and advertising policy still

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

said it continues to note with concern and disappointment the persistent failure of registered businesses to adhere to the policy regarding advertising products and services that are VAT inclusive.

In a statement the GRA said taxpayers continue to vent their concerns to the media and the GRA about this infringement to the Law and the negative impact it has been having on their spending power as consumers. The GRA said a letter which appeared in the Thursday April 9 Edition of the Stabroek News titled “Prices on supermarket shelves should include VAT” reiterated that consumers continue

to suffer ‘tax shocks’ when they get to the cash register or payment area only to be made aware then of the final value price for the selected item.

“It is even more appalling that those found culpable are businesses which had initially ensured that they were in compliance with displaying prices for their goods, following the implementation of VAT but are now seemingly taken the policy for granted. With reference to Section 90 (2) and (3) of the VAT Act, where a registered person advertises or quotes a price for a good or service that is subject to 16 % VAT, the price is required to include the tax and the advertisement or quotation must state that VAT is included. The cus-

lacking –

tomer or consumer then makes a single payment.”

However, according to GRA the registered person may advertise or quote a price that excludes VAT, but, apart from the price of the good or service, the advertisement or quotation must also state the amount of tax to be charged on the supply and the final price when the tax is added.

It said businesses are also required to issue a tax invoice for every taxable supply (inclusive of goods or services taxed at 16% or 0%), made to the customer as proof of purchase. It is also necessary for audit purposes with respect to claiming VAT refunds. “Consumers and businesses should however not confuse a tax in-

GRA

voice with a sales invoice. The latter is issued when the taxable supply is paid for in cash and does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The sales invoice should include the name, address, and VAT registration number of the registered person making the sale, a description of the goods sold or services rendered, the price of the sale, the amount of VAT if separately stated; and the issue date of the sales invoice.” The GRA is once again urging businesses to ensure that their pricing methods are reflective of the stipulations under the Law. Consumers who continue to be on the receiving end of discriminatory business practices are urged to bring these to the attention of the GRA

Case against sports journalist dismissed

Ajournalist was saved from a trial on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when his wife withdrew the case against him which had alleged that he had threatened to kill her.

Rawle Toney, from the Chronicle Newspapers Limited was brought before Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for “cussing his wife,” Jamela

Toney.

The charge stated that he on April 16, 2015 at their home at Castella Housing Scheme, West Ruimveldt made use of abusive language against the Virtual Complainant (VC).

Police Prosecutor, Stephen Gonsalves stated that the couple had a misunderstanding on the day in question which led to an argument. During the argu-

ment the defendant picked up a scissors and threatened to killer her.

However, the defendant told the court that he did not do this. He admitted to picking up the scissors but stated that he did not threaten her but had left the house.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry transferred the case to Magistrate Annette Singh in Court 11. However,

his wife told the court that she was not willing to provide evidence against her husband.

Police Prosecutor, Adduni Inniss grilled her on whether she was forced or threatened to withdraw the case against Rawle but remained adamant that she was not. The case was subsequently dismissed.

Local Gov’t Ministry hands over equipment to Region 4 for clean-up programme

As the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development continues to work to ensure a cleaner Guyana, sustenance of the $1B “Clean up my Country” exercise has been on the front burner, and this has resulted in Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs)

bution countrywide, leaving the remaining 100 for allocation to the other administrative regions and municipalities.

Additionally, the handing over ceremony which was held in the Eccles compound of Dax Contracting Services saw the Ministry receiving a Hook-Lift

nationwide benefiting from the necessary support.

Today, the ministry continued in this vein, this time turning its attention to the city and Region Four.

This saw the Georgetown Municipality benefiting from 12 skid metal bins, while the region’s 15 NDCs benefited from two each, bringing the total number handed over to 42.

These bins were procured at a cost of $233,800 each, and form part of the 142 that were procured at a cost of $33.19M for distri-

Truck and Ancillary equipment procured under its Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme, through funding from the Inter American Bank (IDB) at a cost of $ 90.5M.

The ministry also procured a skid steer-loader at a cost of $5.8M with the aim of improving waste collection and disposal. This will bring the grand total of all the material procured to $129.5M.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman

Whittaker presented the representatives of the various NDCs with their equipment, a fulfillment of government’s promise.

He emphaised that this “Clean up my Country” initiative is a programme and not a project, because a project comes to an end at some point in time; however, a programme does not, and that is the reason for sus-

cruiting litter wardens who will be ensuring the proper usage of the bins.

Meanwhile Director of the Solid Waste Management Unit, at the Georgetown Municipality, Walter Narine pointed out that the bins that were already handed over to the City Council have saved the entity “in excess of $2.3M monthly” and have also im-

taining the programme.

He pointed out that for this very reason the ministry has put aside funds under the $1B allocation to procure these equipment which will ensure the sustainability of the programme and provide assistance to the regional authorities.

Some NDCs were industrious enough to procure their own machinery through prudent management of their resources, hence the Ministry purchased 45 tractors and trailers for those NDCs that were in need of same in order for them to execute their maintenance and sanitary work programmes more efficiently.

Further, he urged that these receptacles be placed at strategic locations so that they can serve their purpose. He also pointed out that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) is re-

Region 5 health sector gets $44.9M boost

An administrative building at the Fort Wellington Hospital has been completed and was commissioned by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker on Wednesday.

proved its infrastructural capacity.

He said the additions will only further improve in this regard, and thanked the Minister for the clean-up of Georgetown.

Clement Corlette, Region Four Chairman, who was also present at the ceremony, also expressed gratitude to the government for the undertaking.

Under the Clean-up My Country programme, which was a nationwide campaign, 75 groups were signed on to work in Georgetown. It has also allowed 2239 Community Enhancement Workers to gain employment and 69 communities spanning from Agricola to Atlantic Ville benefitted from cleanup activities under the $500M allocation to Georgetown.

Meanwhile the other $500M was spent on activities in the other regions, of which the procurement of these vehicles fall. Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 also benefited from bulk waste collection.

Also under the $500M allocation, Regions 1, 5 and 6 benefited from the construction of access roads to landfill sites, while Region 9 benefited from the construction of a fence around the landfill site.

Further, Le Repentir and Bourda cemeteries were sprayed and debushed, while market tarmacs and drainage/ washroom facilities were enhanced in La Penitence, Bourda and Stabroek Markets. Stabroek Market also benefited

lights.

The building which was constructed at a cost of $13.8M will house the Regional Health Officer (RHO) along with the accounting staff of the facil-

Hospital, but it was later decided that it should be housed at the Fort Wellington Hospital because it will aid in the transportation of patients to Georgetown faster. This addition brings the total ambulances in Region Five to four.

Meanwhile, Region Five Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth expressed gratitude to the administration for its support.

ity, and will also serve to host small conferences.

During his visit to the facility, Minister Whittaker also commissioned a new generator, which was procured at a cost of $12M and serves to provide more stable current flow at the hospital during power outages, and reduce damage to sensitive equipment during electricity fluctuation because it has the capacity to supply electricity to the entire hospital.

He also handed over a new ambulance valued $11M to the health care institution.

During brief remarks Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ashford Ambedkar, pointed out that the facility will provide a more comfortable working environment for the staff.

He also pointed out that the ambulance was initially purchased for the Mahaicony Cottage

Minister Whittaker pointed out that this is evidence of government’s continued support to developing the social sector, while noting that over 30% of the National Budget is directly dedicated to enhancing the lives of the people, primarily through education and health care.

He pointed out that it is important for the administration to educate the public on health care practices.

The Minister then encouraged the staff to take awareness exercises to the schools through Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings among other means.

Several other materials were procured under the 2014 budget allocation for the region’s health sector including a dressing drum, extractor fans, air condition unit and the establishment of a dental unit among others.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER

Stop worrying over minor matters. It’s idle time that will lead to anxiety for you. Get organised, stay busy and include physical and mental activity in your daily routine.

Brighten up your living space and make personal changes you’ve been contemplating. Once you get started, it will be easy to keep the ball rolling. You’ll feel satisfied if you follow through with your plans.

Love is highlighted. The more you socialise, the better. Updating or changing your look will increase your confidence and improve your attitude. Exude confidence, and combat fear.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Keep your opinions to yourself. Blurting out the first thing that comes to mind will inadvertently offend someone and lead to a dispute. Be respectful and avoid regrets.

You will be the catalyst of any group you join. Be a leader and take control of any situation, with plans that include everyone. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Consider your health before you take on too much. Go over your personal files and look for practical ways to increase your earnings through investment, real estate or savings plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

An unsettling event will take place. Wait until you have all the facts before you react, or you will end up taking your frustrations out on the wrong person.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll be in need of some lively entertainment, but first concentrate on completing unfinished business. Having to recheck or redo your work will ruin your downtime. Be diligent.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Liven up your schedule. Attend a reunion, or get together with your closest and dearest friends. If you pool your ideas, you will come up with a fantastic plan that everyone will enjoy.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Disagreements are likely if you try to push others to do things your way. You will get more accomplished if you finish what needs to be done on your own.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t hold back when it comes to love and romance. Your charisma will make you especially alluring, so get out and participate in activities and events geared toward meeting new people.

Partnerships and negotiations are favoured. Share your vision with someone who has the contacts and resources that will help you get your idea off the ground.

Tamim, Mushfiqur end 16-year wait

Apartnership of 178 between Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim set up a total of 329, Bangladesh’s highest in ODIs, and a 79-run win that backed up their claims of entering the series as favourites. A new-look Pakistan line-up, including two debutants and a captain-opener playing his first ODI in more than two years, made a good fist of the chase, but the pressure of a steadily mounting asking rate proved too much to handle. The win was Bangladesh’s second against Pakistan, and their first since the 1999 World Cup.

Half-centuries from three of their batsmen, including the captain and one of the debutants, gave Pakistan reason to cheer, nonetheless. Strike rotation has been a major issue with their top-order batsmen in recent times, and Azhar Ali’s innings promised change on that front. He played out a maiden against Rubel Hossain to start, but was busy thereafter, only seeing out 22 dots out of the remaining 67 balls faced. When the seamers bowled short, he was a picture of authority, standing tall to pull, cut or punch through the covers.

Azhar put on 52 with Sarfraz Ahmed for the first wicket and 89 with Haris Sohail for the third before he nicked Taskin Ahmed behind, trying to steer the ball to third man. At that point Pakistan needed 182 in 22.3

Don’t expect to snag a $1,500 nosebleed ticket — or any other ticket — at the box office for the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

Just two weeks before the bout, tickets for the most anticipated fight in recent times have yet to go on public sale, with the two camps and the MGM Grand locked in a standoff over allotments. When they are finally put on sale, only a few will be sold at the listed price.

The impasse has left fans in the dark, and ticket brokers perplexed.

“It’s bizarre, normally there’s a public sale 10 weeks before the fight,” said Connor Gregoire, an analyst for Seatgeek.com. “To our knowledge no one has a printed ticket in their hands right now.”

Mayweather’s promoter, Leonard Ellerbe, said Tuesday that tickets would go on sale this week for the May 2fight, but MGM officials have been tight-lipped about their availability. The hotel issued a state-

for 51, bending his back to extract pace and bounce and force the left-hander to miscue a pull to mid-on.

Pakistan needed 114 from 66 balls when Arafat Sunny struck the fatal blows. Fawad Alam, one of the stars of a similarly tall chase at this same ground last year, scooped a full-toss straight to mid-off. Saad Nasim, the other debutant, was bowled by an arm-ball while making room to cut. With the asking rate now close to 12 an over, there was only going to be one result.

Tamim’s 135-ball 132 was his fifth ODI hundred and his first since March 2013. Mushfiqur cantered to 106 off 77, and it was his arrival at the crease that catalysed

ball stay. Wahab Riaz broke the stand in the 14th over, moving quickly in his follow-through to beat Sarkar in a foot race and run him out at the batsman’s end. Bangladesh were still two short of 50 at that point.

When Mahmudullah was bowled trying to manufacture room against Junaid Khan in the 20th over, their run rate was still below four an over. But with Shahid Afridi in retirement and Mohammad Hafeez still awaiting the results of tests on his action, they knew they could find a hole to exploit in Pakistan’s attacktheir lack of bowling depth.

From the 24th over to the 29th, Haris, Nasim and Azhar gave away 52 runs in

24 balls with their part-time spin. Pakistan could have lived with that had they taken their chances, but they didn’t. Nasim dropped a caught-and-bowled off Tamim when he was on 47,ter at mid-on to reprieve Mushfiqur, who miscued a big hit off Azhar’s legspin

The regular bowlers came back into the attack from the 30th over on, but the momentum was now firmly with Tamim and Mushfiqur. They picked up a four in every over from the 31st to the 34th, and Tamim

had raced to 93 when Saeed Ajmal came on to bowl his second spell. Returning to the side after a lengthy suspension spent correcting an illegal action, Ajmal had conceded only 11 runs in his first five overs. Bowling quicker than before with a noticeably round-arm delivery, he had maintained a constricting line while not deriving too much turn. Now he was bowling to two set batsmen. Mushfiqur greeted him with a slog-sweep to the wide long-on boundary. When Tamim got on strike, he sat on the back foot and steered Ajmal away wide of short third man. Two balls later, Ajmal speared one down the leg side, and Tamim merely

had to deflect it wide of short fine leg to bring up his first ODI century since March 2013.

Every Pakistan bowler took punishment, but the seamers managed to finish with economy rates below six an over, largely because of their frugal first spells. Ajmal had no such luck. His seventh over went for 18, with Tamim hitting two fours and a big six over long-on. There was no respite even after Tamim’s dis-

as Mushfiqur slogswept him for two sixes in his ninth over and late-cut him for successive fours in his tenth, bringing up his century in the process. In all, Ajmal’s last five overs disappeared for 63, and his figures of 10-0-740 were his worst in ODIs. He may have known his return to international cricket would not be easy, but he probably had not imagined it would go this badly. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh innings (50 overs maximum)

Tamim Iqbal c Mohammad Rizwan b Wahab Riaz 132

Soumya Sarkar run out (Wahab Riaz) 20

Mahmudullah b Rahat Ali 5

Mushfiqur Rahim† c †Sarfraz

Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 106

Shakib Al Hasan* lbw b Wahab Riaz 31

Sabbir Rahman b Wahab Riaz 15

Nasir Hossain not out 3

Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 8, nb 1) 17

Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 329

Did not bat: Abul Hasan, Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain

Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-67, 3-245, 4-295, 5-325, 6-329

Pakistan Bowling: Junaid Khan 10-0-53-0, Rahat Ali 10-0-56-1, Wahab Riaz 10-0-59-4, Saeed Ajmal 10-0-74-0, Saad Nasim 4-0-31-0, Haris Sohail 3-0-310, Azhar Ali 3-0-17-0.

Pakistan innings (target: 330 runs from 50 overs)

Azhar Ali* c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Taskin Ahmed 72

Sarfraz Ahmed† c Nasir Hossain b Arafat Sunny 24

Mohammad Hafeez run out (Soumya Sarkar/†Mushfiqur Rahim) 4 Haris Sohail c Mahmudullah b Taskin Ahmed 51 Mohammad Rizwan c Nasir Hossain b Rubel Hossain 67 Fawad Alam c Soumya Sarkar b Arafat Sunny 14 Saad Nasim b Arafat Sunny 0 Wahab Riaz b Taskin Ahmed 8 Saeed Ajmal lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 0 Junaid Khan run out (Sabbir Rahman) 0 Rahat Ali not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 6, nb 1) 9 Total (all out; 45.2 overs) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-59, 3-148, 4-175, 5-217, 6-217, 7-244, 8-249, 9-249, 10-250. Bangladesh Bowling: Rubel Hossain 8-1-45-1, Taskin Ahmed 8-0-42-3, Arafat Sunny 10-1-47-3, Shakib Al Hasan 9.2-0-45-1, Nasir Hossain 3-0-20-0, Abul Hasan 5-0-420, Mahmudullah 2-0-7-0

2 weeks before Mayweather-Pacquiao, not a ticket to be seen

ment Friday saying there would be a “limited number of tickets available for sale” and that it is working with promoters to finalize a date for their release.

The fight was always going to be a tough ticket, with announced prices of $1,500 to $7,500 in the 16,500-seat Grand Garden arena. But those prices have already tripled in the resale market even before tickets are available, and the two camps and the MGM have been dickering over how many seats — and at what price level — each party gets.

Pacquiao’s manager, Michael Koncz, blamed the Mayweather camp for holding up the ticket sales, saying they have refused to sign a term sheet negotiated months earlier that specified the allotments.

“It’s a real mess right now,” Koncz said. “I can only surmise the motivation is greed and an attempt to manipulate the tickets, otherwise why the holdup? I’m more than a little upset they’re not for sale to the public.”

Millions of dollars are at stake in the dispute, because after the MGM takes its share each camp gets a certain percentage of tickets and is able to resell them with ticket bro-

for Mayweather’s 2013 fight with Canelo Alvarez.

Promoter Bob Arum said he has heard of people cancelling their reservations to Las Vegas because they’re afraid they can’t

kers for higher prices. The estimated gate for the tickets if they are sold at retail prices is already a staggering $72 million, far surpassing the previous gate record of $20 million

get tickets.

“This is not acceptable,” said Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. “This is a worldwide event that the city of Las Vegas is involved in. It’s one of the craziest things

I’ve ever seen.”

Gregoire said the fight is one of Seatgeek’s most searched events, but that only a few dozen tickets have been sold through the website. Those tickets are what the ticket industry calls “spec tickets” because the sellers don’t actually have them in hand, but expect to get them before the fight.

The cheapest seat on the site on Friday was $4,800, and Gregoire said the average sale so far is in the $8,000 range.

“People are hesitant to buy in the secondary market before there’s been an original sale,” he said. “And you’ve also got the incredible prices being asked for tickets now. That means a lot of people are not buying tickets at this point.”

At Stubhub there are no tickets for sale, spokeswoman Alison Salcedo said, because the ticket reseller is waiting for actual prices to be set and tickets to be printed.

“There’s still so much up in the air for this fight that we’re not allowing spec sales,” Salcedo

said. “We’re not willing to take that risk now.”

Tickets have also not gone on sale for the closed circuit telecast of the fight at the various MGM properties in Las Vegas.

Thousands of those tickets are expected to be sold to fans that can’t get into the arena itself, but no price has been set for them.

Koncz said he talked to Pacquiao on Thursday about making sure he had enough tickets to take care of people in his camp. He said there have been requests from around the world for fight tickets, but that they have been forced to put them off because of the uncertainty over how many tickets are available and their pricing.

One thing that is certain, he said, is no one — including the celebrities who generally populate the ringside seats — is getting in for free.

“Nobody’s getting free tickets,” Koncz said. “Even Bob (Arum) has to pay for his ticket in the first row.” (Digicel SportsMax)

Super Kings make mockery of 184 chase

Kieron Pollard and Rohit Sharma did their best to help Mumbai Indians set a challenging target for Chennai Super Kings, but a whirlwind opening partnership between Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum made a mockery of a 184-run chase. The six-wicket win at the Wankhede Stadium was Super Kings’ third in as many games, even as their opponents suffered their fourth consecutive loss of the season.

That Mumbai posted a total as challenging as 183 was down to the knocks from Rohit and Pollard, who lifted the side after yet another top-order collapse. This time, it was Ashish Nehra’s accurate bowling that left Mumbai reeling at 62 for 4 at the halfway stage. Their partnership of 75 came off only 33 deliveries and played a large part in helping the home team add 121 runs in the last 10 overs.

That partnership paled in comparison to the onslaught by McCullum and Smith. By the time the the batsmen holed out in the deep to Harbhajan Singh in the eighth over, Super Kings had raced to 115 and the target was almost down to less than a run a ball for the remaining 12 overs.

The pair were at their harshest between the fourth and sixth overs. They combined to hammer ten fours and two sixes as the three overs fetched 61 runs. The bowler at the other end didn’t matter - Lasith Malinga, J Suchith and Harbhajan Singh were each hit for four boundaries in their overs.

The assault helped Super Kings raise the second-highest Powerplay tally in the IPL overall.

The highlight of McCullum’s 20-ball 46 was the glide over the keeper off Pawan Suyal in the seventh over. McCullum was almost facing Parthiv Patel

when he helped the ball over the fine-leg fence, bringing up the hundred for Super Kings.

Both batsmen fell within five balls but the stage was set for Super Kings to bring their batting depth into play and improve on their net run rate. Suresh Raina achieved the objective with a trademark cameo, helping Super Kings overhaul the target with 20 balls to spare.

Just like their batsmen set up the chase in the Powerplay overs, the Super Kings bowlers set up the game in Mumbai’s Powerplay. The hosts had a new opening pair in Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons, who replaced the injured Aaron Finch, but Parthiv was trapped in front of the wickets for a golden duck by Ashish Nehra off the fourth ball of the innings.

In Nehra’s next over,

Faf du Plessis pulled off a stunning catch to see the back of the dangerous Corey Anderson. When Simmons gave du Plessis catching practice off Ishwar Pandey, Mumbai had been reduced to 12 for 3.

If Mumbai’s decision to make Rohit bat at No. 4 was not surprising enough, Harbhajan was sent in at No 5, ahead of Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu. Harbhajan stemmed the fall of wickets with a 45-run partnership, before Rohit and Pollard set the up the innings. Between the 10th and 15th overs of the innings, Mumbai raced from 62 for 4 to 132 for 5, with Pollard and Rohit taking 26 runs off one Ravindra Jadeja over. In the end, a score of 183 proved to be far from enough for the home team. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Mumbai Indians innings (20 overs maximum)

LMP Simmons c du Plessis b Pandey 5

PA Patel† lbw b Nehra 0

CJ Anderson c du Plessis b Nehra 4

RG Sharma* c Bravo b Nehra 50 Harbhajan Singh c Jadeja b Sharma 24

KA Pollard c Smith b Bravo 64

AT Rayudu c Jadeja b Bravo 29

J Suchith not out 0

R Vinay Kumar not out 0

Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 4) 7

Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 183

Did not bat: SL Malinga, P Suyal

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-6, 3-12, 4-57, 5-132, 6-181, 7-181.

Chennai Super Kings Bowling: A Nehra 4-0-23-3, IC Pandey

3-1-22-1, MM Sharma 4-0-43-1, RA Jadeja 4-0-49-0, R Ashwin

1-0-13-0, DJ Bravo 4-0-30-2

Chennai Super Kings innings (target: 184 runs from 20 overs)

DR Smith c Sharma b Harbhajan Singh 62 BB McCullum c Vinay Kumar b Harbhajan Singh 46

SK Raina not out 43

F du Plessis b Malinga 11

MS Dhoni*† c & b Pollard 3

DJ Bravo not out 13

Extras (w 8, nb 3) 11

Total (4 wickets; 16.4 overs) 189

Did not bat: RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, MM Sharma, IC Pandey, A Nehra

Fall of wickets: 1-109, 2-115, 3-144, 4-166

Mumbai Indians Bowling: P Suyal 3-0-28-0, SL Malinga 4-0-40-1, J Suchith 2-0-330, Harbhajan Singh 4-0-442, R Vinay Kumar 2-0-180, KA Pollard 1.4-0-26-1

Michael Clarke backs Kevin Pietersen to make Ashes return

Kevin Pietersen is scoring enough runs to warrant a return to the England team, says Australia captain Michael Clarke.

The Surrey batsman, 34, has not played for his country since the last Ashes series in Australia, which England lost 5-0.

World Cup, and new ECB chairman Colin Graves has suggested Pietersen could return as long as he “scores a lot of runs” in county cricket.

“He has made it very clear he wants to play and now it will come down to the England selectors and England board making a

On his return to firstclass cricket, he scored 170 against Oxford MCCU.

“I do think he could be at the Ashes,” said Clarke. “He has certainly scored enough runs.”

England are currently touring the West Indies before hosting New Zealand in May. They will begin their bid to regain the Ashes in Cardiff on 8 July.

Pietersen’s England career appeared to be over after former England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton accused him of being “disengaged” from his team-mates during the last Ashes series.

Downton stepped down from his role at the ECB following England’s firstround exit from the recent

decision,” added Clarke. “But at the moment from the Australians’ perspective, I’m happy if he is not playing because he is a wonderful player.”

Clarke, 34, was speaking after confirming he will be Pietersen’s captain at Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League - Australia’s Twenty20 tournament - next year.

The World Cup winner said he was relishing the chance to play alongside Pietersen.

“It’s going to be nice to be on the same side,” he said. “To have that luxury as captain - to have a player like that in your team - is extremely exciting and I know he’ll play a big part is us having success. ” (BBC Sport)

NBA roundup… Pelicans earn 1st playoff spot since 2011 as playoffs starts today

James Harden had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in just three quarters for his fourth triple-double of the season, and the Houston Rockets never trailed in a 117-91 victory Wednesday night against the visiting Utah Jazz.

The Rockets won the Southwest Division and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference when San Antonio lost to New Orleans a few minutes later. The Rockets will face No. 7-seeded Dallas in the first round of the playoffs.

Harden’s four triple-doubles this season are the most by a Rocket since Hakeem Olajuwon also had four in 1989-90.

Pelicans 108, Spurs 103 Anthony Davis had 31 points and 13 rebounds, and the New Orleans earned its first playoff berth since 2011 with a home victory over San Antonio.

Davis, who will make his playoff debut against Golden State this weekend, came through in the waning minutes with two clutch jumpers, two blocks and two rebounds to

prevent the Spurs from pulling off a 23-point comeback.

Tyreke Evans had 19 points and 11 assists for New Orleans, which had to win to make the postseason because Oklahoma City also won at Minnesota. The teams finished with identical records, but the Pelicans held the tiebreaker on head-to-head results.

Jrue Holiday added 11 points, capped by game-sealing free throws with 9.5 seconds left.

Tony Parker had 23 points for San Antonio, which needed to win to secure the second seed in the Western Conference.

Bulls 91, Hawks 85 Aaron Brooks scored 23 points, and host Chicago rallied from 18 down to overcome Atlanta.

The Bulls locked up the third seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks with their fourth straight win.

The Hawks, who won a franchise-record 60 games and earned the East’s top seed, matched a season high with their third straight

loss.

Brooks carried the Bulls in the second half with Derrick Rose watching from the sideline. Jimmy Butler had 21 points, and Pau

Gasol had his 54th double-double (18 points and 13 rebounds). Dennis Schroder came off the bench to score 21 points for Atlanta on 9-of-13 shooting. Paul Millsap scored five after missing five games because of a sprained right shoul-

der.

Raptors 92, Hornets 87 Kyle Lowry had 26 points, and host Toronto finished the regular season with its franchise-record 49th victory, beating Charlotte.

Toronto, the winner of the Atlantic Division, will open the playoffs at home on Saturday, facing the Washington Wizards.

Tory Daniels scored a seasonhigh 24 points for Charlotte.

Mavs 114, Trail Blazers 98 Tyson Chandler had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and host Dallas subdued Portland while learning that it will play Houston in the first round of the playoffs.

The Mavericks have been locked into the seventh seed in the Western Conference for a week, but they had to wait until the final night of the regular season to find out their opponent, which was settled with the Rockets’ win over Utah and San Antonio’s loss to New Orleans.

The Blazers have the fourth seed as Northwest Division champions but will open the postseason

on the road against the No. 5 seed, either San Antonio or Memphis.

LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 19 points after missing two games with a left foot sprain.

Cavaliers 113, Wizards 108

LeBron James sat out Cleveland’s regular-season finale to rest for the playoffs, and the Cavaliers rallied past visiting Washington in overtime.

With James out of uniform, the Cavaliers played their other starters in the first half only.

Matthew Dellavedova had 18 points and 12 assists for Cleveland. His two free throws with 9.1 seconds gave the Cavaliers a 111-108 lead, and Shawn Marion sealed the game with a dunk.

Martell Webster scored 20 for the Wizards.

The Cavaliers, who had the best record in the Central Division, will open the playoffs this weekend against the Celtics. Boston eliminated the Cavaliers from the playoffs in 2010, James’s last season in Cleveland before he left for Miami.

(The New York Times)

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T20 action billed for D’Edward Sports Club today

Young Warriors Cricket Club, Blairmont Blazers, Cotton Tree Die Hard and hosts D’Edward Sports Club will battle in a T20 competition today.

The action is set to start at 10:00h with the first semi-final between D’Edward Sports Club and Young Warriors.

The second semi-final is set for 14:00h between Cotton Tree Die Hard and Blairmont Blazers.

The third-place playoff and grand final will be played under lights, with the winning team taking home $100,000, and a beautiful trophy sponsored by Alvin Chowramootoo’s Construction Services.

The losing finalists’ will take home $50,000 and

a trophy also sponsored by Alvin Chowramootoo’s Construction Services. Proceeds from this event will go towards the further development of the venue and the day-to-day running of the club. The kids will have access to Bouncer Castle for the entire day.

The respective squads are as follow:

Young Warriors: Ishwar Singh (Captain); Wahid Edwards; Kevin Ramdeen; Ryan Ramnarine; Vishal Mohabir; Royden Phil; Jamal LaFleur; Nial Smith; Delbert Hicks; Vidal Crandon; Suresh Dhanai; Linden Austin; Alex Algu; Ricky Balak.

Cotton Tree Die Hard: Roshan Gafoor (Captain); Romesh Boodram; Pooran Persaud; Abdul Subhan; Nashad Gaffoor; Jagdeo Persaud; Afzal Haroon; Keith Fraser; Ishwar Singh; Keon Fraser; Chris Pattadin; Arif Chand; Permaul Singh; Tage Singh; Brentnol Woolford. Blairmont

Blazers: Nick Ramsaroop (Captain); Retish Bridgelall; Derrick Cadogan; Zammer Inshan; Kevon Jawahir; Javid Karim; Deveshwair Prashad; Parmanand Ramdhan; Mahendra Singh; Nigel Trotz; Chandradat Veerasammy; Avishkai Sewkarran; Waqar Hassan; Rameshwar Somwaru; Devindra Lalsa.

D’Edward Sports Club: Jaipaul Heeralall (Captain); Devindra Lalsa; Lakeraj Sookra; Corret Greenidge; Devindra Thakurdeen; Rajiv Ivan; Joshua Ramsammy; Eon Abel; Jonathan Foo; Christan France; Mahadeo Persaud; Altaf Khan; Heeralall Bridgelall; Navin Rampersaud; Devindra Singh.

Guyana witness historic...

In addition Ramotar implored that Regional and International events will be needed in order make full use of the state-of-the-art facility that will in turn push Guyana’s tourism industry to new heights.

However, Ramotar made it clear that the government’s immediate aim is to ensure sport is incorporated into the education curriculum while noting that he hopes to see some of the top school sports being held at the facility.

Meanwhile Minister of Sport, Dr Frank Anthony term the occasion as a “great day for sports in Guyana”.

The facility to date which costs 1.084 billion dollars according to Dr Anthony will alloy Guyana’s athlete to not only develop but to compete train harder with less injuries.

Further, Dr Anthony revealed that they will be hiring two Cuban coaches, one for track and one for field events in order to further develop Guyana’s athletes.

Permanent Secretary,

Alfred King noted the long challenging road to the completion of the facility and highlighted that it took great perseverance in order to complete the facility that is certified by the world governing body of athletics, the IAAF.

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson

thanked the government and the Ministry of Sport for blessing Guyana with its first such facility and called the moment a “proud” one.

Stuart May, a member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

Normalisation Committee was pleased to be associated the occasion and noted that the Normalisation

Committee intends on utilizing the facility in the best way possible.

Carifta 200 metres bronze medalist, Tirana Mitchell did the vote of thanks on behalf of the athletes while Golden Jagauars’ Vurlon Mills did the vote of thanks on behalf of the footballers.

Holder ton saves WI...

Early in his innings against Stuart Broad he pulled short of Jonathan Trott at deep square leg, but his upright defence and classic strokeplay withstood everything England could throw at him. His shot selection should certainly have been a lesson to Blackwood and Devon Smith who threw their wickets away with horrid strokes when there was a Test match to save.

The opening seven overs of the day brought one run when Smith and Samuels resumed, with any notion of West Indies aiming to chase down the runs clearly not on the agenda. Tredwell, who was impressive throughout, provided the opening breakthrough when Smith gave away 174-balls of concentration by picking out mid-on as he all of a sudden tried to come out of his shell and ad-

vanced at the bowler.

Tredwell continued to vary his pace and flight skilfully - twice responding to sixes by Samuels by troubling him with turn and bounce, the second chance producing a tough stumping opportunity - and helping to

compensate for the fact that he is not a huge turner of the ball. A 13-over spell was ended 20 minutes before lunch when Root was given another chance to be a partnership breaker. Once again, the move paid off handsomely.

In the second over of

his spell Root slid one into the pads of Shivnarine Chanderpaul that would have crashed into middle and leg stump - the first lbw of the match. Chanderpaul, a man very capable of batting out two sessions, reviewed in hope rather than expectation and was walking off the ground before the decision was confirmed.

As he did in the first innings, Blackwood mixed caution with aggression until, in the last over before the new ball was due, inexplicably charging at Chris Jordan, swinging across the line, and getting a bottom edge which was well held by Jos Buttler. It was the type of stroke that appeared to signal a white flag, but not for the first time in the match West Indies showed their resolve and left Antigua as elated as England were deflated.

GCB U-19 Inter-County 3-Day

tournament

Berbice build lead on rain-affected day

– Demerara 53-0, replying to U-17 251

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Berbice stretched their first innings lead to 114 on a rain-shortened second day of their final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Three-Day Tournament game against Essequibo on Friday at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

Berbice were wellpoised on 273-7, replying to Essequibo’s first innings of 139, when rain brought an early end to the day’s play, Daniel Lewis was batting on 27 and Ritesh Omrao on 34. The pair shared an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 71 so far.

The day’s play was affected by overnight and early morning rain that had left part of the outfield in a soggy state.

Even the pitch had some areas of concern, but excellent work by the ground staff ensured play got underway after 14:00h.

Resuming with the score on 196-6 with a first innings lead of 57 runs, Kassim Khan added two to his overnight 10 before he was dismissed by Akinie Adams.

Meanwhile, Demerara

were 53 without loss, replying to the National Under-17 team’s first innings 251 in the other final-round game at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Openers Ronaldo Renee and Sherfane Rutherford were unbeaten on 16 and 26 respectively, when rain brought a premature end to the day’s play at 15:15h.

Earlier, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed led the way with a mature, unbeaten 69, which featured nine fours after opener Raymond Perez (69) and top-order batsman Adrian Sukwah (54) set the tone earlier on the first day.

Resuming on 211-9 after lunch due to rain, Mohammed who resumed on 42 and the tail-ender Tameshwar Motieram, continued to frustrate the Demerara bowlers. The pair added 51 valuable runs before Motieram (3) was dismissed after facing 50 deliveries.

All-rounder Rutherford continued his impressive bowling form with figures of 4-43. Ershad Ali picked up 3-28 and Malcolm Hubbard with 2-28 were the other most successful bowler for Demerara.

UA&GS 11th annual cycling set for today

The inner circuit of the National Park will be transformed into a battleground today when the 11th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies (UA&GS) 11-race cycling programme is held from 09:00h.

The event will signal the return of competitive cycling to the venue after a few weeks’ break, and according to national coach and organiser Hassan Mohamed, an exciting day of racing is anticipated with all the country’s top riders set to face the starter’s order.

With the Independence Three-Stage set for next month, local riders will look to start assessing their state of readiness for that event, by putting in much-needed miles in their legs, and this weekend’s programme will serve as ideal preparation.

Last year’s main event –the gruelling 35-lap School Boys and Invitational – was won by Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club rider Robin

Persaud, who clocked one hour, 16 minutes, 17.18 seconds (01h: 16m: 17.18s).

Cleveland King won the Juveniles race, while Stephen Fernandes, Clyde Jacobs and Avish Ramkellawan were winners of the Veteran, Mountain

Bike and 12-14 Boys and Girls races respectively.

UA&GS Managing Director Shameer Baksh, himself a cyclist in the Veterans division, will assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion. (Avenash

Day 4 matches of Busta soft shoe postponed to today

The Busta Soft Shoe tournament will continue today with Day 4 games that were supposed to be played on Friday evening.

The matches had to be rescheduled due to the inclem-

ent weather that caused the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground to become water logged.

All six games as scheduled for Friday will be played today at the said venue from 19:00h.

Broad Street will kick off the action in the night’s first game against Durban Street, while Bent Street versus Hope Street Tiger Bay is set to be the last game of the night in the final round matches.

commissioner of Police t20 cricket competition postponed

The Commissioner of Police T20 Cricket Competition has been postponed to a date to be announced later.

The tournament, which

was scheduled to continue today at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, was postponed due to the inclement weather.

However, the semi-fi-

nal matches are expected to be played during the week, with the final a possibility for the upcoming weekend.

W connection trounce gDF 7-1 in cFu championship

Trinidad and Tobago’s W Connection secured a comfortable win on match day one of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship on Wednesday against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Playing in Group Two in Trinidad, W Connection hammered Guyana Defence Force 7-. The three-time champions W Connection made a huge impression before

their home crowd, putting five past the visitors before half-time, before cruising in the second half at the Ato Boldon Stadium. They were led by a hattrick from Hashim Arcia, with Shahdon Winchester grabbing a brace.

Akeem Garcia opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Winchester doubled the lead just seconds later and added his second five minutes later, to propel W Connection to a 3-0 lead.

Arcia grabbed his first in the 35th and Britto joined in the goal-spree two minutes before the break to render the game over as a contest.

In the second half, it was all about Arcia who completed his hat-trick with strikes in the 47th and 81st minute. The visitors claimed a consolation goal through Delroy Fraser in injury time. (CMC)

Perry, Forde, George, Hooper dominate at synthetic track opening

By TreisTon Joseph

Just after a brilliant opening ceremony that featured the President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, Guyana’s national athletes put on a show in front of a large crowd as well as high ranking officials of the Government on Friday at the National Track and Field Centre.

Rising star Keisha Phillips took the female 100 metres in a time of 11.3s, topping Anika Powely who finished closely behind in 11.6s while Cassie Small finished third in 11.8s.

Distance king Cleveland Forde displayed his tactician style of running the 1500 metres with a comfort-

Former national sprint champion Rupert Perry after a long lay-off from injury is finding his form and topped the 100 metres men’s field on Friday at the commissioning of the track in a time of 10.1s. Kevin Abbensetts finished second in 10.3s, while Tevin Garraway was third in 10.5s.

Phelps returns from six-month suspension with victory

Michael Phelps won his first race back from suspension at the

The 29-year-old - the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medalswas banned for six months in October after being arrested for drink-driving.

But on his return the American clocked 52.38 seconds, ahead of rival Ryan Lochte (53.11), in the 100m butterfly.

It was not amongst the top 10 world times this year but Phelps said: “I hope we’ll be able to build and build.”

Phelps is now bidding to reach a fifth Olympic Games, but will not swim at August’s World Championships in Russia as part of an agreement with USA Swimming alongside his ban. He will instead race at the US national championships in San Antonio, Texas, taking place at the same time as the Worlds. (BCC Sport)

able win to stop the clock at 4:02.0s. Cleveland Thomas was second in a time of 4:06.8s, while Winston Missenger was third in 4:07.1s.

Triple Carifta gold medallist Cassey George displayed her superiority by simply outrunning her competitors from the blast of

the pistol to register a winning time of 2:13.8s in the girl’s 800 metres. Carifta bronze medallist Andrea Foster was second in a time of 2:17.2s, while 13-year-old Claudirce McKoy finished third in 2:24.7s.

The final event of the day saw South American Youth silver medallist Natricia

Hooper easing her way to victory in the women’s 400 metres to stop the clock at 56.5s. Carifta representative Avon Samuels was second in 57.1s, while Phillips took third in a time of 59.8s.

The men’s 400 metres saw the return of Shawn Semple with a winning run to clock 49.9s in the fi-

nal race of the day, topping Devon Barrington who finished second in 50.2s and Quacey Clementson third in 50.9s. Meanwhile, a short football game was played between Slingerz FC and the West Demerara Under-23 side as an exhibition match to end proceedings.

Guyana witness historic moment with 1st synthetic track commissioning

There are moments in time that will always be remembered while there are moments that will always be celebrated, Friday was one of those

auspicious occasions when a moment in Guyana’s history will always be remembered and celebrated when the Guyana’s first synthetic track was commissioned by the government at Leonora.

Holder ton saves WI on Anderson’s record day

Same island, different ground, same result. Six years ago West Indies defied England nine down at the Recreation Ground in Antigua, after the Test was shifted due to the dangerous outfield at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with Darren Powell and Fidel Edwards surviving 10 tension-filled overs on the historic ground. This time the last-wicket pair were not needed as Jason Holder, a 23-year-old on whom so much rests for the future of West Indies cricket, produced an outstanding display of maturity in scoring a maiden firstclass hundred in an innings spanning 216 minutes and 149 balls, and with help from Denesh Ramdin and Kemar Roach hauled the team to safety. James Anderson prized

out the seventh wicket shortly before the start of the final hour, finding Ramdin’s edge to first slip with a classical leg-cutter, to make him England’s leading Test wicket-taker, overtaking Ian Botham’s 383 scalps having gone level with Botham during the morning session when Marlon Samuels edged to gully. It broke a stand of 105, leaving England 18 overs to take the final three wickets, but they could not get past the sturdy defence and big hearts of Holder and Roach. With two overs remaining, Holder went to his hundred with a brace of lofted drives off James Tredwell in three balls, becoming the eighth West Indies batsman to score a Test century at No. 8, then Roach negotiated four balls of the last over from

Unveiled as the National Track and Field Centre by the Prime Minister of Guyana, Samuel Hinds and the President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, a powerful featured address was delivered by Ramotar.

Ramotar in his speech labeled the facility as part of Guyana’s progressive future and noted urged the youth of Guyana to be involved in sport.

“I hope the ministry can have spotters so they can

spot talent that can be developed them and grow from strength to strength in order to help us become a world power in sport,” Ramotar noted.

Anderson to prompt Alastair Cook to offer his hand to the undefeated West Indies batsmen meaning England have still had not won overseas since November 2012 in Kolkata.

There were a couple of near misses in the closing stages. With six overs left, Holder hammered a drive into silly point’s ankle that rebounded towards Tredwell who could not quite hold on

diving forward and to his left. Then, with 17 balls remaining, Roach edged Anderson in front of Cook at first slip and later in the same over England used a futile review in the faint hope Roach had edged a full delivery to Buttler.

England removed three wickets before lunchTredwell and Joe Root claiming one apiece - to seemingly put themselves on course

for a 1-0 series lead and when Jermaine Blackwood departed moments before the second new ball West Indies were 189 for 6 with 51 overs remaining in the day. But they could only claim one in the second session as Ramdin and Holder began their resistance, firstly by negotiating the second new ball and then blunting England on a surface that offered little encouragement.

The trueness of the surface - and it was certainly not as flat as those seen at the Rec so many times - should not diminish Holder’s effort in the slightness. It was an innings of immense character and fortitude from a player who has a vast part to play in West Indies’ future. This was another example of why some judges believe batting could surpass bowling as his major asset.